Lucas di Grassi to retire from professional racing

“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 14 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.”

Di Grassi’s future plans will be announced at a later date, but for now he will see out the remainder of the Formula E season, which ends in London on 15-16 August.

“Lucas has been synonymous with Formula E since the very beginning,” said championship CEO Jeff Dodds. “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.

Lucas di Grassi and Timo Glock, Virgin Racing

Lucas di Grassi and Timo Glock, Virgin Racing

“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.”

But di Grassi also had a stellar career outside of the all-electric series, as he finished runner-up in the 2016 World Endurance Championship standings with Audi.

That was the last of his three full seasons in WEC, and he also claimed three podiums at the Le Mans 24 Hours, all with the German marque.

Di Grassi also contested the 2010 Formula 1 championship with Virgin Racing, but he was replaced by Jerome d’Ambrosio as Timo Glock’s team-mate for 2011.

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