Lucas di Grassi offers explanation behind motorsport retirement decision

Lucas di Grassi has offered an explanation as to why he feels the time is right to retire from motorsport at the end of this year.

The 41-year-old announced on Thursday afternoon, ahead of this weekend's Formula E double-header in Berlin, that he will retire from motorsport completely, not just from the all-electric series.

Di Grassi has raced in all major world championships, including Formula 1 in 2010 for Virgin Racing, the World Endurance Championship, and, of course, Formula E.

He was part of the creation of Formula E and has been its greatest pioneer, continuing to push the series forward.

But at some stage, all careers must come to an end, and for di Grassi, the end of the current season feels like the right time, as it also marks the end of the Gen3 era.

The Formula E legend feels he is of better use to Lola out of the car now than in it, although his next career move is yet to be announced.

Asked why he has chosen now to retire from motorsport, di Grassi told RacingNews365 in an interview: "It's the end of a cycle — the end of the Gen3 era and the beginning of a new one. And I honestly think I can add more value outside of the car now.

"I think Formula E is going through a big transition, and there are so many opportunities now to expand the championship, improve the team [Lola], or whatever I want to work on. 

"Honestly, I feel that I've had a lot of fun racing cars, but my interest is somewhere else now. My interest now is in a broader role than just driving a car."

The 'dream' farewell

With one drivers' title, 13 victories, 41 podiums, and 1,077 points scored in Formula E, di Grassi's record is up there with the greatest drivers in the championship's history.

Just 11 races separate di Grassi from life as a retired driver, but he dreams of ending his career on the top step of the podium in London.

He knows it is unrealistic, but is hopeful of at least one strong result before bowing out of motorsport as a driver.

"I would love to finish this cycle on a high," added di Grassi. "A dream come true would be to win the final London race, right? That would be amazing.

"We have to be realistic — we are where we are. We're going to try our best. I'm going to continue to push. I have these 11 races to try to get one more podium, or whatever we can — score more points and do the best I can for Lola.

"And then close this chapter with a golden key."