Lucas di Grassi confirmed on Thursday that the current Formula E season will be the final chapter of his Formula E racing career. It brings to a close one of the most influential journeys in the championship’s history. The former Drivers’ Champion will retire at the end of season 12. He will, however, remain involved with Lola Yamaha ABT in a development role.
A Founding Figure of Formula E
Di Grassi’s departure marks the end of an era. He was the first driver to commit to Formula E. He also helped develop the original prototype and the GEN1 car. After a short spell in Formula 1, he became a central figure in building the all-electric series from the ground up.
His impact was immediate. He won the first-ever Formula E race in Beijing in 2014. That victory launched a career that produced 13 wins, 41 podiums, four pole positions and a Drivers’ title. He has scored 1,077 points and was the first driver to pass 1,000 points.
His most successful years came with ABT and Audi. There, he became Formula E World-Champion in Season 3 and set multiple records. Later seasons proved more challenging, with point spells in midfield teams. Most recently, he focused on helping build the future of Lola Yamaha ABT.
Beyond Formula E, he finished as Formula 2 World-Vice-Champion. He also competed in Formula 1. He was runner-up in the World Endurance Championship and took multiple podiums at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Every great race has a final lap.”
In an emotional statement, di Grassi explained, “After a lifetime dedicated to racing, 2026 will mark my final season as a professional racing driver and the beginning of a new chapter.”
He described motorsport as a force that gave him discipline, resilience and purpose. He also paid tribute to his family for their unwavering support. The decision, he said, was made with his wife and children.
“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.”
Tributes from Across the Paddock
Senior figures within Formula E and his team were quick to acknowledge di Grassi’s influence. Like Mark Preston, Team Principal at Lola Yamaha ABT, highlighted his “unmatched” contribution and praised his role in the team’s return to top-tier motorsport.
Thomas Biermaier, CEO of ABT Sportsline, described him as “more than just a driver”, highlighting his leadership in the group and lasting impact on the team’s success, including their championship triumph in 2017.
From the championship itself, co-founder Alejandro Agag emphasised di Grassi’s role in building the series from the ground up, calling him “a fundamental part of the championship’s growth”.
Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds echoed those sentiments, noting that the Brazilian had been “synonymous with Formula E since the very beginning” and a key advocate for electric mobility.
Eyes on the Future
While stepping away from the cockpit, di Grassi will not be leaving the sport behind. He is set to continue working with Lola Yamaha ABT on the development of the GEN4 car, ensuring his expertise remains embedded in the championship’s future. Details of his next chapter are expected to be announced soon, but his ongoing involvement suggests his influence on Formula E is far from over.
For now, however, attention turns to the remainder of the season. One, where a sport’s pioneer will look to sign off in fitting fashion, pushing to the very last metre of his final race.