A test driver for Formula E in its development phase, Di Grassi has become one of the ambassadors for the series through being not only one of its most successful drivers, but also a growing voice as an advocate for climate change action, particularly through green technologies.
A three-time overall podium finisher at Le Mans, the ex-Virgin F1 driver told Motor Sport at last year’s London E-Prix that “If I had to choose between WEC and Formula E, I would choose the latter every time.”
The Brazilian has been part of the championship ever since its debut season in 2014, winning its maiden race.
This weekend’s season finale in the South Korea capital Seoul, where Di Grassi will drive for his final race for Venturi Racing – which becomes the Maserati works team next year – now marks a century of races in the series for the Brazilian.
Di Grassi is also United Nations ambassador and co-founder Zero Summit – a driving force behind Mahindra’s keenness decision to sign him.
“There’s no doubt that Lucas is one of the greatest Formula E drivers in the history of the sport – the stats and the silverware do the talking – but, for us, his appeal is much wider than that,” said Dilbagh Gill, CEO and Team Principal at Mahindra Racing.
“We are the only team that has been net carbon zero since inception, earning us the title of ‘The Greenest Team in Motorsport’, and it is fundamental to our existence that we are driving forward technological developments in electric mobility with passion and knowledge both on- and off-track.
“We believe Lucas is perfectly positioned to do this and we are ready to get him bedded into our ground-breaking Gen3 programme within the coming weeks.”