Lucas di Grassi calls time on motorsport career after historic Formula E run

Lucas di Grassi has officially decided to retire from professional motorsport at the conclusion of the 2025/26 campaign, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 24-year racing journey. For over a decade, the 42-year-old Brazilian served as a cornerstone of Formula E, participating in every phase of the championship from its foundation to its latest technological evolution.

Di Grassi’s diverse career spans Formula One, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the GT World Cup. However, the all-electric championship proved to be his most enduring arena. His connection predates the rollout of the original GEN1 cars, having played a key role in developing early prototype machinery. As electric racing prepares for shifts such as the GEN4 era, the series bids farewell to one of its original defining figures.

Historic Milestones and Championship Glory

Di Grassi secured the first of his 13 career victories at the championship’s inaugural race—the 2014 Beijing E-Prix—taking advantage of a dramatic final-corner collision between Nicolas Prost and Nick Heidfeld. Three seasons later, he produced a tactical masterclass in Mexico City, managing an extreme energy-saving 28-lap stint on his second car to win from 15th on the grid.

That season culminated in di Grassi capturing the 2016/17 Drivers' Championship in Montreal over fierce rival Sebastien Buemi. Reflecting on their high-stakes title fight, di Grassi acknowledged the intense competitive dynamic:

“At the time, I hated him. When you are competing, you want to win. Of course, you have to have that spirit... Now, I look back and I'm very thankful for that rivalry and the fact that we had that competition. I only achieved what I achieved because I had to pull myself out of my comfort zone.”

The Final Chapter and Racing Legacy

Rising from an uncle’s kart shop in Interlagos to winning the 2005 Macau Grand Prix, finishing runner-up in GP2, and reaching F1 with Virgin in 2010, di Grassi forged a durable career. Later spells took him from Audi to Venturi—where he won the 2022 London E-Prix—before stints with Mahindra, Cupra, and Lola Yamaha ABT.

Di Grassi’s final race weekend in London proved difficult, marked by penalties and technical retirements. However, an unexpected victory earlier in Shanghai provided a fitting penultimate triumph.

“It was an amazing run... I retire with a sense of duty done,” di Grassi concluded. “I'm sad, but I'm happy that it's over. I'm relieved. I have a lot of plans in my head that I wanted to accomplish for many years now.”