The Abt Formula E team has confirmed that Lucas di Grassi will remain with the team next season, which is able to see the team use a Lola/Yamaha powertrain for the primary time.
Di Grassi’s profession in the electrical automobile championship is best known for his work with Abt, having raced for the German brand for seven years, including winning the drivers’ championship within the 2016/17 season.
The Brazilian returned to Abt at first of the 2023/24 season after a two-year break, but has struggled to match the exploits of team-mate Nico Muller this season, ending 48 points behind his rival with just three top-10 finishes.
Di Grassi did, nevertheless, participate in testing of the brand new Lola/Yamaha powertrain and the brand new Gen3 Evo motorcycle, which is able to debut in Formula E next season.
“ABT is my family. I had the best moments of my career there and I have complete trust in the people who work hard every day to achieve success – so I am happy that we are taking on new challenges together,” said di Grassi, who will probably be entering his eleventh season in Formula E.
“This is an incredibly exciting project involving individuals who know what it takes to achieve Formula E, in addition to two renowned brands in Lola and Yamaha, with a wealthy motorsport heritage and engineering expertise.
“We have a busy few weeks ahead of us. Together we will do everything we can to succeed as quickly as possible.”
Lucas Di Grass, Abt Lola Formula E
Photo: Lola
The 2024/25 season will see Lola return to the single-seater world championship, having been revived by British businessman and IMSA driver Till Bechtolsheimer, who bought the name and remaining assets in 2022 after the brand went into administration.
The Formula E project is led by Mark Preston, a pillar of motorsport who has been involved in Formula 1 for a long time. In Formula E, he was the principal of the Techeetah team, which won three consecutive Drivers’ Championships between 2017 and 2020, because of Jean-Eric Vergne (twice) and Antonio Felix da Costa.
Although the British manufacturer isn’t yet back on target in full force, it has already made the choice to introduce Gen4 rules ahead of the 2026/27 season.
“Having a driver with Lucas’ experience, skill and dedication is a huge boost for a new manufacturer entering the series,” said Lola Cars Motorsport Director Preston.
“These qualities, combined together with his current partnership with Abt, make Lucas the best person to take the wheel as we return to motorsport.
“His knowledge and feedback during testing proved invaluable and we can’t wait to get out on track together in Season 11.”
Earlier this month it was confirmed that Muller would go away Abt, the Swiss driver who was expected to hitch Andretti, with Abt expected to announce his successor and di Grassi's team-mate soon.
