Lucas di Grassi and Mahindra Racing have mutually decided to part ways and not continue their partnership for 2023/24 Formula E season.
Lucas di Grassi, Formula E’s record appearance-maker wiith 115 starts to his name from the very first race of the GEN1 era, is set to leave Mahindra Racing, the team have announced. The Brazilian stated that his and the team’s visions no longer aligned and said in a statement on X: “I want to express my gratitude to all our team members for the experiences we shared during what proved to be a challenging year.
“This decision ultimately benefits us both, as our perspectives and visions have diverged. I wish Mahindra Racing the brightest future ahead!” The Season 3 champion is also Formula E’s joint-record race winner – tied with Sebastien Buemi on 13. His win percentage is right up there too, third in the overall charts.
Di Grassi also won the series’ first race in Beijing, back in 2014. “On behalf of everybody at Mahindra Racing, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Lucas for his contribution to the team over the past year,” said Fred Bertrand, Mahindra Racing CEO.
“Lucas has played a valuable and integral role since joining us ahead of the GEN3 era, but both parties feel the time is right to pursue other options for the future. He will always remain part of the Mahindra Racing family, and leaves with nothing but our best wishes for his future endeavours.”
A tough Season 9
After winding up fifth, having challenged for the title in GEN2’s swansong season, di Grassi switched to Mahindra for the inaugural GEN3 campaign. A strong start with pole and third position come the opening round in Mexico City would be his high for the season, with just two points finishes following. He outscored his teammates, however, with Oliver Rowland leaving the outfit mid-season being replaced by Roberto Merhi. Mahindra Racing ended Season 9 in 10th position in the Teams’ World Championship.
Formula E line-up so far:
Jaguar – Mitch Evans, Nick Cassidy
McLaren – Jake Hughes, Sam Bird
Envision – Sebastien Buemi, Robin Frijns
Nissan – Sacha Fenestraz, Oliver Rowland
Andretti – Jake Dennis, Norman Nato
[Note: The story is as per press release]