Lucas di Grassi’s win at Shanghai E-Prix marked landmark moment for Lola Yamaha ABT. The Brazilian charged from 19th on grid to deliver team’s first-ever Formula E victory.
After gambling on dry setup in mixed conditions, Lola Yamaha ABT executed bold strategy that paid off as circuit dried. Di Grassi worked his way through field before completing decisive overtakes in closing laps securing his 15th Formula E win.
The result also marked the first Formula E win for Lola Yamaha ABT since joining the all-electric championship.
Lucas di Grassi win rewards bold Shanghai strategy
With wet conditions at start of race, di Grassi spent opening laps conserving energy. He stayed near back of field while many rivals struggled for grip.
As the circuit dried, the Brazilian began making rapid progress through the order. He climbed into third using his first Attack Mode activation. Then he capitalised on late Full Course Yellow before deploying his second Attack Mode.
Di Grassi then overtook Joel Eriksson. Then he sweeped around outside of Jean-Éric Vergne at Turn 1 on final lap to complete impressive comeback victory.
Lucas di Grassi win also represented Porsche-powered rival Lola Yamaha ABT’s maiden Formula E triumph. It was a memorable milestone for the manufacturer.
Lucas di Grassi reflects on historic Formula E victory
Reflecting on the achievement, di Grassi highlighted both the strategy and the significance of winning in Shanghai.
“I won the first race here in China — there’s nothing better than winning my last. We took the right risks today, but in the position we were, we had to take those risks, and I’m so glad we managed to make it.”
“It was a great battle with JEV [Jean-Éric Vergne], a great battle with Joel [Eriksson] at the end, and I’m so happy that we pulled it off. We’ve been working flat out, it’s not always been easy, but moments like this is why we do all of this. I’m still winning races!”
The Brazilian also praised the team’s work after delivering its maiden Formula E success through di Grassi’s win.
“An amazing day here in Shanghai. We achieved the first ever victory for Lola Yamaha ABT in a very difficult race starting from P19. Half of the race was wet and half dry and there were many moments I thought I was not going to make it. I kept believing and pushing until the end, managing to take the lead on the final lap and win the race. Thank you so much to all the fans for the support and to the team for all of their hard work, this victory means a lot to us and we will keep on pushing until the very end.”
Mixed fortunes despite Lola Yamaha ABT breakthrough
While Lucas di Grassi’s win delivered a historic result, the race proved frustrating for teammate Zane Maloney.
After qualifying eighth, Maloney showed encouraging pace. Suspension failure forced him to retire, bringing out Full Course Yellow late in race.
Team Principal Mark Preston praised both sides of the garage while acknowledging the disappointment of Maloney’s retirement.
“I am so proud of the whole team today. To get the first victory for Lola Yamaha ABT in Formula E here in Shanghai was a fantastic moment for the team and a result of the hard work every single person has been putting in.”
“With Lucas, the team made a bold strategy decision to start with a dry set-up and he drove an excellent race enabling him to claim the top step on the podium. We will now carry this momentum to Tokyo in three weeks where we hope to secure a great result for our partner Yamaha in their home race.”
Following Lucas di Grassi’s win, Lola Yamaha ABT heads to Tokyo with renewed confidence after securing team’s first victory.
