There from the start: Lucas di Grassi ends his Formula E career after season 12

One of the biggest, if not the biggest name in Formula E announced the end of his career on Thursday: Lucas di Grassi, the winner of the very first Formula E race in Beijing in 2014, will be hanging up his driving boots after 12 seasons in the electric racing series. He has not yet given any precise information about his future and whether it is still connected to Formula E.

Após uma vida inteira dedicada ao automobilismo, 2026 marcará minha última temporada como piloto profissional.

Não é o fim da jornada, mas o começo de um novo capítulo.

O automobilismo tem sido minha vida desde que me lembro. Ele me deu disciplina e resiliência antes mesmo de... pic.twitter.com/fCAxmzCGz6

- Lucas Di Grassi (@LucasdiGrassi) April 30, 2026

Lucas di Grassi played a key role in the development of the all-electric racing series right from the start. Following his brief stint in Formula 1, the Brazilian was the first driver to be signed by Formula E. He played a pivotal role in developing the first generation of cars before leaving Formula E to join ABT. There, he won his first race, set several records and, as the highlight, was crowned champion of Season 3.

di Grassi's final season as a professional racing driver

Over the years, he celebrated successes with a wide variety of teams. His most successful period was with ABT and Audi, where he spent the first half of his Formula E career. After that, things became bumpy, with the Brazilian ending up with teams in the midfield or at the back of the championship. Most recently, his focus was on laying the foundations for the future of the new team alongside Lola Yamaha ABT.

During his time as a Formula E driver, Di Grassi has won 13 times, secured 41 podium finishes, claimed 4 pole positions and amassed a total of 1,077 points. He was the first driver to break the 1,000-point barrier. Formula E has become a home for the former champion: "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."

For now, he will continue to help develop the Gen4 cars for Lola Yamaha ABT and focus entirely on maximising results with the team: "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."

Formula E loses one of its leading figures

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds thanks di Grassi for his commitment to the racing series and electric motorsport: "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."

Thomas Biermaier, CEO of ABT Sportsline, looks back on the successful period that has linked ABT and di Grassi over many years, whether at Audi or now at Lola Yamaha ABT: "Lucas was always more than just a driver. He was a leader, a fighter and a true team player who had a significant impact on our success. He will always remain a friend of ABT. We are very grateful for everything we have achieved together and wish him all the best for the future."

Di Grassi is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his future. He merely mentions that he will soon be announcing his next exciting steps. Dodds hopes he will remain in Formula E: "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."

The next race, the Formula E double-header in Germany, gets underway on 1 May. At the Tempelhof Airfield in Berlin, the Brazilian will be fighting for vital points for Lola Yamaha ABT.