Jake Hughes returns to Formula E with Cupra Kiro for Gen4 era

Jake Hughes is returning to Formula E with Cupra Kiro for the 2026/27 season, where he will partner Pepe Martí as the team prepares for the arrival of the Gen4 car. His signing confirms that Dan Ticktum has left the squad.

Hughes returns after a season without a race seat

Hughes made his Formula E debut with McLaren in 2022/23, taking pole position at his third race. He added another pole in Monaco during that campaign, then claimed two more in his second season. His first podium came at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix.

He moved to Maserati MSG Racing for 2024/25 and scored a second career podium in Jeddah. Hughes was then left without a race seat after Maserati’s programme became Citroën, taking on reserve-driver duties at Mahindra instead.

Away from Formula E, Hughes competed in the LMP2 class of the European Le Mans Series and won the 4 Hours of Silverstone earlier this year. He has also held Formula 1 test and simulator roles for three seasons, most recently with McLaren across 2025 and 2026.

Cupra Kiro sees development value in Hughes

Team principal Russell O’Hagan pointed to Hughes’ experience and car-development background as important assets for the Gen4 transition. He also highlighted the driver’s one-lap speed and feel for extracting performance, saying those qualities could help both on track and in the development process.

Hughes has already completed pre-season work with the team, giving him familiarity with the operation. O’Hagan said the pairing with Martí brings a different dynamic, and marks Kiro Race Co’s first season without a rookie driver.

The team has been working on its Gen4 preparations in recent months and is now looking ahead to getting Hughes into the car. The new machinery is also a central part of Cupra Kiro’s longer-term plans, having confirmed it will remain a Porsche customer team in the Gen4 era.

Hughes said he was pleased to secure the return and believes the technology and speed of the Gen4 cars could suit his driving style. His immediate focus, he said, is pre-season testing and getting to work with the team.