The Historic Rivalry of Buemi and Di Grassi in Formula E
Reliving the Unforgettable Rivalry: Buemi vs. Di Grassi
Pioneers of the All-Electric Era: Buemi and Di Grassi's Early Commitment
In the nascent stages of Formula E, Sébastien Buemi and Lucas Di Grassi emerged as key figures, committing to the championship between 2012 and 2014. Renault's early involvement as a technical partner paved the way for Buemi's entry with the e.dams squad in 2014. Di Grassi, an initial development driver for Formula E from 2012, later joined the Audi-backed team. Both brought valuable experience from Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, setting the stage for their future dominance.
Di Grassi's Inaugural Victory: The 2014 Beijing E-Prix
The first-ever Formula E race in Beijing saw Di Grassi claim an unexpected victory. Starting behind pole-sitter Nicolas Prost, Di Grassi inherited the win after a dramatic collision between Prost and Nick Heidfeld on the final lap. This chaotic yet memorable race marked Di Grassi as the championship's first winner, while Buemi faced an early retirement due to gearbox issues.
Buemi's Breakthrough: First Win at the 2014 Punta del Este E-Prix
Following a podium finish in Putrajaya, Buemi secured his maiden Formula E victory in Punta del Este. After Jean-Eric Vergne initially took pole, Buemi skillfully navigated the race, taking the lead during a crucial pitstop phase under safety car conditions. Despite late pressure from Vergne, Buemi held his ground, ultimately winning after Vergne's car experienced a suspension problem.
The Intense Finale: 2015 London E-Prix Championship Battle
The 2015 London E-Prix became the dramatic climax of the season, with Nelson Piquet Jr, Di Grassi, and Buemi locked in a fierce title fight. Amidst verbal sparring and accusations between Di Grassi and Piquet Jr, Buemi showcased his prowess by securing a dominant pole position and victory in the first race. However, a series of events in the final race, including Buemi's spin during his out-lap and Piquet Jr's strategic drive, ultimately saw Piquet Jr clinch the title by a single point, leaving Buemi deeply disappointed.
Dominance and Disqualification: The 2015-16 Season Showdown
The 2015-16 season saw Buemi and Di Grassi establish themselves as the primary title contenders, each securing three victories. Their season was marked by consistent podium finishes, though not without incidents. Buemi faced technical failures and collisions, while Di Grassi was disqualified from a victory due to an underweight car. These incidents set the stage for a tense London finale, with Di Grassi holding a narrow one-point lead.
Controversial Climax: Buemi's 2016 London E-Prix Title Win
The 2016 London E-Prix was steeped in controversy. Buemi and Di Grassi, both qualifying poorly, engaged in an aggressive battle, leading to a collision on the first lap of the final race. Despite the damage, both drivers returned to their second cars, aiming for the fastest lap, which carried crucial championship points. Buemi ultimately triumphed in this high-stakes duel, securing the fastest lap and the championship title, while Di Grassi received a post-race penalty for his role in the collision.
Buemi's Commanding Third Season: A Near-Flawless Performance
In Formula E's third season (2016-17), Buemi and the Renault e.dams team reached their zenith. Buemi won six of the first eight races, demonstrating exceptional form. Despite minor setbacks like a spin in Mexico City and a disqualification in Berlin, his performance was overwhelmingly dominant. However, his absence from the New York City rounds due to WEC commitments allowed Di Grassi to close the points gap, setting up another intense finale.
Di Grassi's Montreal Triumph: Seizing the 2017 Championship
The 2017 Montreal finale was charged with tension and mind games. Despite Buemi's initial lead, a series of misfortunes, including a battery change, a grid penalty, and a disastrous opening lap, allowed Di Grassi to capitalize. Di Grassi clinched pole position and a race victory, while Buemi's car issues and subsequent disqualification further widened the gap. Ultimately, Di Grassi secured his maiden Formula E title, a hard-fought victory against the odds.
Post-Gen1 Era: Mixed Fortunes for the Champions
After the Gen1 era, neither Buemi nor Di Grassi replicated their initial level of dominance. Buemi, transitioning with Nissan, achieved a victory at the 2019 New York E-Prix but experienced a prolonged period outside the top three. His move to Envision Racing in Gen3 brought a resurgence with seven podiums and a victory at the 2025 Monaco E-Prix, showing his enduring capability. Di Grassi, meanwhile, remained a strong contender in the Gen2 era with Audi Sport Abt and Venturi, securing multiple wins and consistent points. However, the Gen3 era proved challenging, with limited podium finishes despite a pole position in the 2023 Mexico City E-Prix, making his recent Shanghai E-Prix win a poignant farewell.