After the recent London E-Prix, the time has come to bid farewell to two emblematic names that have marked the beginning of Formula E. Sebastien Buemi and Lucas Di Grassi, the last active drivers from the first race in 2014, leave behind an impressive legacy in this entirely electric competition.
Buemi will focus his efforts on his WEC program with Toyota, while Di Grassi bids farewell to racing completely. Together, they achieved a total of 21 poles (17 of them by Buemi, co-holder of the record) and 78 podiums, which include 28 victories, after winning the titles in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.
Both drivers have been prominent figures in the Gen1 era of the competition, and it’s time to explore some of the most significant moments that shaped the early history of Formula E.
2012-2014 – The committed entry of Di Grassi and Buemi
Renault was one of the first manufacturers to show interest in Formula E, collaborating as a technical partner since May 2013 and providing the engines for all vehicles in the first season. In June 2014, just two months before the start of the competition, the e.dams team, supported by Renault, announced that Buemi and Nicolas Prost would be their drivers.
Buemi, a former Grand Prix driver until 2011, was experiencing great success with Toyota in endurance racing. Di Grassi, on the other hand, had been the first to commit to Formula E as a development driver before joining the Audi team in February 2014.
2014 Beijing E-Prix – Di Grassi wins the first Formula E race
The inaugural Formula E championship kicked off in Beijing, on a 3.45 km track, the longest on the calendar. Prost achieved pole position, while Buemi qualified ninth. In a race full of unexpected twists, Nick Heidfeld had a standout performance, but it was Di Grassi who benefited from an accident among the other competitors to achieve the first victory in history.
Although Buemi had to retire due to gearbox issues, Di Grassi was pleased with his initial triumph, highlighting the safety of the vehicles.
2014 Punta del Este E-Prix – Buemi’s first triumph
After Sam Bird‘s victory in Putrajaya, Buemi achieved his first success in Punta del Este. Despite the adversities, he capitalized on opportunities during the pit stops, resisting the pressure from competitors until crossing the finish line first.
2015 London E-Prix – Tight title race between Piquet Jr, Buemi and Di Grassi
With an intense battle for the title, Piquet Jr arrived at the double-header in London with a slight advantage over Buemi and Di Grassi. Despite a strong effort by Buemi, who won the first race, Piquet Jr emerged as champion by a narrow points margin.
2015-16: A fascinating duel between Buemi and Di Grassi
With the entry of manufacturers with their own power units, Buemi and Di Grassi established themselves as favorites in this season. Both stars achieved three victories each, maintaining a constant battle for the High Chair of the competition.
2016-17: Buemi’s domination
In the third season, Buemi achieved overwhelming dominance with six victories in the first eight races. However, his absenteeism in the last rounds was a weak point that allowed Di Grassi to close the gap in the standings.
2017 Montreal E-Prix: A chiseling in the rivalry
In a tense context filled with competitive rivalry, Di Grassi and Buemi found themselves caught in a high-pressure scenario. Buemi’s disqualification radically changed the championship’s dynamics, and Di Grassi ended up being crowned champion.
Transitions and challenges in the Gen2 and Gen3 era
Both drivers have struggled to replicate their initial success in subsequent editions of Formula E. Buemi, after a team change, secured a victory in 2025, while Di Grassi, despite having moments of glory, has not managed to regain champion status.
With these two names leaving the competition, Formula E closes a significant chapter in its history, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of drivers in the world of motorsport.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
