The checkered flag is about to wave for the last time. After three decades behind the wheel, a former Formula 1 driver has announced his emotional farewell from professional racing, and fans are already feeling the weight of the moment.
Lucas di Grassi, now 41, revealed that this weekend’s London E-Prix will mark his final race as a professional driver. The Brazilian star shared a heartfelt statement on social media, reflecting on a journey that began when he was just a kid.
Di Grassi’s time in Formula 1 was brief but memorable. He raced for the short-lived Virgin Racing team in 2010 alongside Timo Glock, making only 18 grand prix starts before being replaced by Belgian driver Jerome d’Ambrosio ahead of the 2011 season.
But that early setback didn’t define his career. Di Grassi went on to find major success in endurance racing, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2012 to 2016. He stood on the podium three times at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Then came Formula E. Di Grassi joined the all-electric series in its inaugural 2014/15 season and never looked back. Over the years, he racked up 14 race wins, 42 podium finishes, and claimed the championship title in 2016/17.
Now, after 30 years of racing, he says it’s time to step away. In his emotional post, di Grassi wrote about what motorsport has meant to him—the victories, the defeats, the lessons, and the friendships that will last forever.
He thanked his teams, engineers, mechanics, partners, competitors, and the fans who have supported him through it all. “Racing only has meaning because people care about it,” he said.
With one final race ahead, di Grassi promised to savor every moment. “One last time putting on the helmet. One final race in London.
And I intend to enjoy every second of it.”
As the motorsport world prepares to say goodbye, one question remains: what’s next for a driver who has given everything to the track?
