Lucas di Grassi leaves Mahindra after just one season: Whether and for which team the 2016/17 champion will drive in Formula E next year is open
Lucas di Grassi will not drive for Mahindra in Formula E in the 2024 season. The Brazilian made the announcement on Tuesday (26 September). Di Grassi did not comment on his future as a racing driver. As there are hardly any cockpits left at the top teams for the 2024 Formula E season, it is currently open whether the Formula E veteran will continue in the electric racing series.
Di Grassi is a man of the first hour in Formula E and won the first race in the history of the championship for Abt-Audi in Beijing in 2014. His seven-year career for Abt and Audi culminated in the 2016/17 title win, two runner-up titles and two third places in the drivers’ standings, as well as twelve victories.
After a season with the Venturi team in 2021/22, in which he took his last win to date in London and finished fifth in the drivers’ championship, di Grassi moved to Mahindra last season.
The partnership started well when di Grassi took pole position in the new Gen3 car at the season opener in Mexico City and finished third in the race. However, as the season progressed, Mahindra had problems with the drivetrain. Di Grassi only managed to score two more points and dropped to 15th in the drivers’ standings.
Via social media, di Grassi explained, “I would like to thank all the team members for the experience we have had during this challenging year. This decision is ultimately beneficial for both of us as our perspectives and visions have diverged. I wish the team and the company all the best for the future.”
Mahindra Team Principal Frederic Bertrand bids farewell to di Grassi, saying, “On behalf of everyone at Mahindra Racing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Lucas for his contribution to the team over the past year.”
“Lucas has played a valuable and integral role since he joined us prior to the Gen3 era, but both parties now believe the time has come to pursue other options for the future,” Bertrand described the separation as amicable. “He will always remain a part of the Mahindra Racing family. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Mahindra is expected to confirm its rider line-up for the 2024 season later this week as pre-season testing takes place in Valencia from October 23-27.
