Formula E: Jake Hughes joins Cupra Kiro for 2026/27

Cupra Kiro confirmed on 12 October that Briton Jake Hughes will race for the team in the 2026/27 Formula E season. He partners Pepe Martí as the championship enters the Gen4 era, and takes the seat of Dan Ticktum, who leaves the team.

A long-awaited Formula E return

Hughes made his Formula E debut with McLaren in 2022/23. He took pole position in just his third race and a second pole in Monaco in the same season. According to Motorsport Week, he then added three more poles and a first podium, in Shanghai in 2024.

In 2024/25 he drove for Maserati MSG Racing and took a second podium in Jeddah. His programme then became Citroën and Hughes was left without a seat: he was a reserve driver at Mahindra, according to RacingNews365, and raced in LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series, winning the 4 Hours of Silverstone this year. He also spent three seasons as a Formula 1 test and simulator driver, with McLaren in 2025 and 2026.

What the team says

Team principal Russell O'Hagan highlights Hughes' technical background for developing the Gen4, a 600 kW all-wheel-drive car. He also points to his one-lap pace. Hughes says he is delighted to join Cupra Kiro and is looking forward to pre-season testing.

Ticktum leaves Kiro

Hughes' arrival ends Dan Ticktum's time at Kiro, which brought him two wins in two seasons, according to Motorsport Week. RacingNews365 reports that the team and the driver have officially parted ways. What Ticktum will do next is not yet known.

The calendar ahead

• Pre-season testing: 16 to 20 November at the Jarama circuit in Madrid.
• Season opener: 18 and 19 December.

Key points

• Jake Hughes races for Cupra Kiro in 2026/27, alongside Pepe Martí.
• Dan Ticktum leaves the team after two seasons.
• The Gen4 produces 600 kW and has all-wheel drive.