Formula E points leader Lucas di Grassi claims multiple F1 world champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel would have “a hard time” adjusting quickly to the demands of the all-electric series.
The Brazilian competed against both drivers in the junior categories, finishing third during Hamilton’s 2005 Formula 3 Euroseries title campaign while Vettel was fifth that year.
Di Grassi graduated to GP2 the following season and saw the Briton claim the honours as a rookie in grand prix racing’s official feeder series.
The trio was briefly reunited in F1 when Di Grassi made his debut with newcomers Virgin Racing in 2010. Since then, he has gone on to become a very versatile racer, starring in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Audi Sport and racking up wins and podiums in the nascent Formula E competition.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural Paris ePrix, the 31-year-old told CNN that Hamilton and Vettel would not walk away with the silverware should they decide to have a go at the zero-emission series.
“They would have a hard time coming to Formula E…” Di Grassi said. They are fantastic drivers, they are the most talented drivers of our generation and maybe, I would say, almost our lifetime, but if they come to Formula E they would find it hard.”
Di Grassi says the main reason why he expects F1's biggest stars to struggle initially would not come from driving the car but from the lack of running, with all FE events taking place on street circuits during a single day.
“They will have to learn the tracks, because all the tracks are brand-new, they are all city tracks, you cannot practise on the tracks.
“I think I will invite them to come to race, even if it's just one race, and see how it is.
“I’m sure they would be tough competition, but they would have a hard time.”
Di Grassi is currently leading the 2015/2016 Formula E championship ahead of Renault e.dams’ Sébastien Buemi. Fellow former F1 drivers enrolled in the series include Jean-Eric Vergne, Nick Heidfeld, Bruno Senna, Stéphane Sarrazin, Jérôme d’Ambrosio, and inaugural champion Nelson Piquet Jr.
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