Cupra Kiro names Jake Hughes as Dan Ticktum’s replacement for 2026/27, timing the change with Formula E’s Gen4 launch and a push to sharpen the team’s competitive trajectory.

Hughes partners Pepe Martí, giving Cupra Kiro an all-experienced pairing for the first time. The move targets immediate points, development stability, and stronger qualifying conversion.

Hughes debuts with McLaren in 2022/23 and takes pole in his third race. He adds a Monaco pole, underlining sharp one-lap execution under qualifying duress.

He later collects two further poles and converts pace to a first podium at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix, signaling improved energy management and race craft.

A 2024/25 switch to Maserati MSG produces another podium in Jeddah, evidencing adaptability across powertrains and operational philosophies.

When Maserati’s programme evolves into Citroën, Hughes loses the seat and shifts to Mahindra as reserve. Crucially, he remains embedded in Formula E processes.

Outside Formula E, Hughes wins the European Le Mans Series LMP2 race at the 4 Hours of Silverstone, reinforcing versatility in multi-class traffic and stint discipline.

He also serves three seasons as a Formula 1 test and simulator driver, most recently with McLaren in 2025–26, bolstering correlation skills prized for Gen4 validation.

Team principal Russell O’Hagan cites Hughes’ one-lap speed as decisive. Last year’s pre-season running accelerates integration and trims early testing inefficiencies.

Gen4 reshapes the technical brief: uprated regeneration, revised aero efficiency windows, and new control software. Cupra Kiro aligns setup direction with the Gen4 car to exploit those changes.

Running without a rookie should tighten feedback loops and setup convergence. That stability matters as Formula E targets a faster overall package and sharper energy sensitivity.

Hughes frames the switch as a homecoming. He expects the Gen4 balance to suit his style and focuses pre-season on repeatable, race-winning execution.

The Hughes–Martí pairing blends qualifying edge with development depth. With Cupra Kiro’s foundations in place, the team profiles as a credible Gen4 contender.

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Zane Muniz

Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.