He was the first to commit to Formula E and is emblematic of the electric racing series – Lucas di Grassi is now ending his career as a racing driver
Lucas di Grassi will end his career as a racing driver at the end of the 2025/26 Formula E season. The 41-year-old announced this in an emotional video on Instagram.
The Brazilian made his professional debut as a racing driver in 2002 in Formula Renault Brazil, before embarking on a 24-year career in which he competed in various racing series.
Di Grassi is best known for his time in Formula E, however: He was the first driver to commit to the all-electric series when it made its debut in 2014. He also won the inaugural race in Beijing at the time.
The Brazilian has contested every season since then and has become one of the most successful drivers in the electric racing series, winning the 2016/17 title with Abt and 13 race wins.
However, things have been more difficult for the veteran recently: he has not finished higher than 15th in the championship since 2023. In the first six races of the 2025/26 season at Lola, he is still without any championship points.
Di Grassi says in the run-up to the ePrix in Berlin this weekend: “After a life dedicated to racing, 2026 will be my last season as a professional racing driver, and at the same time the start of a new chapter.”
“Motorsport has been my life as far back as I can remember. It has given me discipline and determination before I knew why I would need it, and it has given me goals when the way forward was anything but clear.”
“From the suburbs of Sao Paulo to Monaco, racing has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It has profoundly changed me as a driver, as a person, as a father and as a person.“
”I have given everything I had to this sport and in return it has given me a life I could never have dreamed of. I am deeply grateful to my family.“
”They have been with me from the beginning through every sacrifice, every difficult decision, every victory and every defeat. Without their love, patience and belief in me, none of this would have been possible.“
”Together with them, especially my wonderful wife and children, I made this decision. I would like to say a very special thank you to Formula E.“
”I have been surrounded by extraordinary people for the past 14 years. People who once sketched out plans on napkins and turned them into a great championship that I now call home.”
“This decision is accompanied by emotions, but also by inner peace. Every great race has a final lap. I want to drive mine with the same intensity, the same commitment and the same passion that have brought me this far.”
Di Grassi intends to announce his future plans at a later date. For now, he will contest the remainder of the Formula E season, which ends in London on August 15 and 16.
“Lucas has been emblematic of Formula E since the very beginning,” says series CEO Jeff Dodds. “He has not only driven, he has supported the mission of electromobility from the very beginning.”
“His fighting spirit has helped bring this series to where it is today. His retirement may mean saying goodbye to an incredible chapter at the wheel, but we hope Lucas will stay with us in the future.“
”His influence on this sport will leave a lasting mark. I would like to thank him for his dedication and the energy he brought to every race. He was an incredible ambassador.”
Di Grassi can also look back on an impressive career away from the all-electric series: in 2016, he finished runner-up in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with Audi.
This was the last of his three full WEC seasons. He also claimed three podium finishes in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, all with the German manufacturer.
Di Grassi also contested the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship with Virgin Racing, but was replaced by Jerome d’Ambrosio as Timo Glock’s team-mate for 2011.
