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| Lucas di Grassi | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lucas di Grassi |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Birth date | 1984-08-11 |
| Birth place | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Current series | FIA World Endurance Championship |
| Championships | 2016–17 (FIA Formula E) team runner-up |
| Teams | Audi Sport ABT, Venturi, Mahindra Racing, Lotus Racing |
Lucas di Grassi is a Brazilian professional racing driver and entrepreneur known for his roles in open-wheel feeder categories, Formula One testing, Formula E championship contention, and endurance racing with prototypes and GT cars. Over a career spanning karting in São Paulo, single-seaters across Brazil, Europe, and global sportscar series, he has combined competitive driving with team management, technology investment, and advocacy for sustainable transport and electric vehicles. Di Grassi's profile links him to manufacturers, teams, and events across motorsport, business, and environmental fora.
Born in São Paulo, di Grassi grew up in a city noted for producing drivers like Ayrton Senna, Rubens Barrichello, and Felipe Massa, beginning karting at a young age and progressing through Brazilian junior categories such as Formula 3 Sudamericana and regional championships that feed into Formula Renault and Formula 3 in Europe. He relocated to Europe to pursue opportunities with teams and academies associated with series like International Formula 3000, linking him to circuits including Monza, Silverstone, and Spa-Francorchamps. His early career intersected with contemporaries from the Red Bull Junior Team, McLaren Young Driver Programme, and drivers who later competed in Formula One and World Endurance Championship.
Di Grassi's racing career spans karting, single-seaters, touring cars, and sportscars, featuring participation in championships such as Formula Renault 3.5 Series, GP2 Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. He competed at prominent events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, and rounds of the FIA GT Championship, racing for manufacturers and privateer teams linked to Audi Sport, Lotus, Porsche, Aston Martin, and others. Across seasons he has faced rivals including Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Stéphane Sarrazin, and Allan McNish at circuits used by the FIA and ACO.
In feeder series, di Grassi drove in Formula 3 competitions and the GP2 Series with teams connected to established names such as ART Grand Prix, Trident Racing, and engineering partners that supported drivers working toward Formula One seats. He served as a test and reserve driver for Virgin Racing (later Marussia F1 Team) and tested for teams linked to technical partnerships with Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz. His brief tenure in Formula One included a race weekend with Team Lotus where he competed against drivers from Scuderia Toro Rosso, Williams F1, and BMW Sauber at grands prix on the Formula One World Championship calendar.
A pioneer in electric racing, di Grassi became a leading figure in the inaugural seasons of the FIA Formula E Championship with teams such as Audi Sport ABT Schaeffler and later Venturi Racing and Mahindra Racing. He won the 2016–17 Formula E Drivers' Championship after intense competition with drivers from e.dams, DS Techeetah, and Jaguar Racing, accumulating victories at street circuits in cities like Hong Kong, Berlin, and New York City. Beyond driving, he engaged with automotive manufacturers including Audi, Renault, and Nissan on electric powertrain development, and he has appeared at industry events alongside figures from UN Environment Programme and organizations promoting sustainable mobility.
Di Grassi transitioned between single-seaters and sportscars, contesting the FIA World Endurance Championship and endurance classics including the 24 Hours of Le Mans where he raced for Audi Sport Team Joest and other prototypes. He has piloted LMP1 and LMP2 machinery against factory outfits like Toyota Gazoo Racing and privateer teams associated with Peugeot Sport and Porsche. In GT racing he has driven cars related to marques such as Aston Martin Racing and BMW Motorsport at events overseen by the FIA and promoters like the Automobile Club de l'Ouest.
Outside the cockpit, di Grassi co-founded and invested in motorsport and technology ventures, collaborating with partners linked to Pininfarina, Schaeffler, and corporate stakeholders in Formula E teams. He has been involved with team management structures, driver development programmes, and commercial projects connecting motorsport with startups in telemetry, battery technology, and sustainable transport initiatives. His business relationships span automotive suppliers, venture capitalists, and governance bodies such as the FIA and municipal authorities that host street racing events.
Di Grassi is active in advocacy for low-emission mobility, engaging with organizations including the UN and environmental NGOs, and speaking at conferences alongside policymakers from cities like Paris, London, and São Paulo. He has worked with fellow drivers and industry figures such as Stoffel Vandoorne, Jean-Éric Vergne, and Sam Bird on outreach promoting electric vehicle adoption and technical education. His personal life remains private; he resides between Europe and Brazil and balances family life with racing commitments, corporate responsibilities, and participation in philanthropic and educational programmes.
Category:Brazilian racing drivers Category:Formula E drivers