Lucas di Grassi has announced that he is to retire at the end of this season’s Formula E championship, bringing to a close a glittering racing career.
The Brazilian is perhaps the all-electric championship’s most notable stalwart, having been frequently dubbed ‘Mr Formula E’.
Having won the inaugural E-Prix in Beijing in 2014, di Grassi went on to win another 12 races, as well as one World Championship, totalling 41 trips to the podium, and has so far clocked 1,077 points.
Di Grassi, having also spent one season in Formula 1, as well as success in endurance racing, was an instrumental figure in Formula E’s initial development, testing an early iteration of what became the series’ first car – the Gen1.
That nous will come in handy to his Lola team, who will benefit the use of his experience in development of its Gen4 car, which will debut next season.
Di Grassi’s Mensa-level intellect and erudition has often sparked many predictions that he will one day become a team boss or senior member of a team, and whilst it is not yet known what his next move will be, there will be an announcement in due course.
In a statement, di Grassi said: “After a lifetime dedicated to racing, 2026 will mark my final season as a professional racing driver and the beginning of a new chapter. Motorsport has been my life for as long as I can remember, giving me discipline and grit before I knew why I needed them, and purpose in moments when the road ahead was far from clear.
“From the suburbs of São Paulo to Monaco, racing shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. It changed me profoundly as a driver, person, father, and human being. I gave everything I had to this sport, and in return, it gave me a life beyond anything I could have dreamed of.
“I am deeply grateful to my family, who supported me from day one through every sacrifice, difficult decision, victory, and defeat. Without their love, patience, and belief, none of this would have been possible. It is with them, especially my wonderful wife and children, that I have made this decision.
“I’d like to say a very special thank you to Formula E, where I have spent the last fourteen years surrounded by extraordinary people, people who started writing on napkins and created an amazing championship that I now consider my home.
“This decision comes with emotion, but also with peace. Every great race has a final lap, and I want mine to be driven with the same intensity, commitment, and love that brought me here. I will give everything in my final races and I will share more news with you soon about the bright future ahead.”
‘Part of the family’ – Lucas di Grassi euologised by Formula E’s top figures
DI Grassi’s retirement is not doubt a seismic moment for Formula E, as it loses not only its most longstanding driver, but also, perhaps, its biggest adovcate, having promoted and championed it across his tenure in the sport.
And that dedication as been noted by some of the biggest figures at the very top of the championship, including Chairman and Co-Founder, Alejandro Agag.
“Lucas is not just a driver; he is part of the Formula E family,” he said. “From the inception of Formula E, which he helped shape, and the very first race in Beijing in 2014, Lucas has been a strong competitor and a fundamental part of the championship’s growth.
“His passion for electric racing has been invaluable to the series. While we will miss seeing him behind the wheel, his legacy as a World Champion and passion for innovation in sustainability lives on in Formula E.
“We wish him nothing but the best in his next chapter, and I have no doubt he will continue to be a driving force in the future of motorsport.”
Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, also paid tribute.
“Lucas has been synonymous with Formula E since the very beginning. He hasn’t just raced, he has believed in the mission of electric mobility from day one, and his competitive spirit has helped drive this series forward to where it is today.
“While the end of this season will be a farewell from an incredible chapter behind the wheel, we fully expect to see Lucas remain closely involved in the championship going forward.
“His influence on this sport will have a permanent impact. I’d like to thank him for his commitment and the energy he brought to every race; he’s been an incredible ambassador for what we’re building, and I know he’ll give it everything he’s got until the very last centimetre of the final race.”
Di Grassi’s presence on track leaves a huge void for Formula E. But no driver can compete forever, and with a new role surely likely, Formula E can ensure that his presence can be a force for good off track, helping it achieve a bigger mainstream identity that it surely deserves.
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