Overview

Lucas Tucci di Grassi (born 11 August 1984 in São Paulo) is a Brazilian professional racing driver who progressed from karting and junior single-seaters to the highest levels of international sportscar and electric single-seater racing. Known for his technical feedback, racecraft and work on energy management, he has become one of the best-known figures in the FIA Formula E Championship and an outspoken advocate for sustainable mobility.

Early career and GP2

Di Grassi began his career in karting and advanced through continental single-seater categories before contesting the GP2 Series, a primary feeder for Formula One. In 2007 he finished as runner-up to Timo Glock in GP2, a result that increased his visibility among Formula One teams and sponsors.

Formula One

He secured a race seat in Formula One with the new Virgin Racing team for the 2010 season. The entry faced the typical challenges of a start-up team, and di Grassi's time in F1 was brief. Despite a short tenure, the experience broadened his technical understanding of single-seater development and raised his international profile.

Endurance racing

Alongside single-seaters, di Grassi has competed in endurance racing programmes, including appearances in prototype categories and events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. His versatility across formats has been a consistent feature of his career.

Formula E and later achievements

Di Grassi became one of the pioneers of the FIA Formula E Championship, the all-electric single-seater series created to promote urban electric mobility. He established himself as a front-runner, achieving multiple race victories and securing the drivers' title in the 2016–17 Formula E season. His success in Formula E made him one of the championship's most recognized competitors and contributors to its sporting development.

Driving style and influence

He is widely praised for strategic race management, efficient energy use in electric racing and detailed vehicle development input. Outside the cockpit, di Grassi has taken active roles in public discussion about the future of transport and motorsport, promoting electric vehicles, cleaner energy and urban mobility solutions.

Notable milestones

  • Born in São Paulo and developed through national and international karting.
  • GP2 Series runner-up in 2007, signalling F1 potential.
  • Formula One race driver with Virgin Racing in 2010.
  • Prominent competitor and 2016–17 drivers' champion in the FIA Formula E Championship.

For more on his background and current activities consult team profiles, championship archives and motorsport coverage in Brazil and international media. General information about the series and contemporaries can be found through resources on Formula One and the history of open-wheel racing. Additional context about rivals and associated teams is available via references such as Timo Glock and the early seasons of Virgin Racing.