Jake Hughes will return to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as a full-time driver for Season 13, joining Pepe Martí at CUPRA KIRO as the series enters a new era with the introduction of the GEN4 car.
After spending Season 12 as a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing, Hughes is set to return to the grid with a team looking to build momentum ahead of Formula E’s next major technical shift.
With four pole positions and two podium finishes to his name, the Brit brings valuable championship experience to a CUPRA KIRO line-up that will be without a rookie driver for the first time under its current identity.
A Full-Time Seat for the Brit
Hughes established himself as one of Formula E’s strongest qualifying performers during his three full seasons in the championship. His ability to extract performance over a single lap, combined with his experience across different teams, could prove crucial as drivers and engineers adapt to the demands of the GEN4 era.
The 31-year-old expressed his excitement at joining the American team, describing the opportunity as one that had been a long time coming.
“I am thrilled to join the CUPRA KIRO team,” said Hughes. “The team has built the foundations of something very special and hopefully, we can kick on and bring even more success.”
No Stranger to Success in Formula E
Hughes made his Formula E debut with McLaren in Season 9, immediately demonstrating his qualifying speed. He secured his maiden pole position in only his third race before claiming a second pole later that season in Monaco.
He continued that form in his second campaign, adding two more pole positions to his record. His first podium finish followed at the 2024 Shanghai E-Prix, marking another milestone in his Formula E career.
For the 2024/25 season, Hughes moved to Maserati MSG Racing, where he secured a further podium finish in Jeddah.
Beyond Formula E, the Brit has also gained experience through Formula 1 development work and competition in series such as European Le Mans. That breadth of experience could be particularly valuable as teams face the challenge of developing and optimising an entirely new generation of electric race cars.
A New Dynamic at CUPRA KIRO
Hughes will partner Pepe Martí for Season 13, forming a new driver pairing at CUPRA KIRO as the team has dropped Dan Ticktum for the Gen4 era. The American outfit is looking to establish itself as a competitive force in the GEN4 era.
Team Principal Russell O’Hagan believes the combination of Hughes’ experience and Martí’s continued development will give the team a different dynamic heading into the new campaign.
“Having Jake alongside Pepe also gives us a different dynamic to previous seasons, marking our first season as Kiro Race Co without a rookie driver,” he said.
With both drivers bringing experience of the championship, CUPRA KIRO can place greater emphasis on extracting performance from its package and maximising results, rather than balancing development with the demands of introducing a rookie to Formula E.
Hughes’ familiarity with the series, combined with Martí’s ongoing progression, gives the team a foundation on which to build as the competitive landscape evolves.
More Than Just Qualifying Pace
While Hughes has earned a reputation for his one-lap speed, O’Hagan believes his contribution will extend beyond qualifying performance. His technical understanding and experience working with teams in both Formula E and Formula 1 could make him an important asset during the transition to GEN4.
“We’re very excited to welcome Jake to CUPRA KIRO for the coming season,” O’Hagan said.
“Jake’s one-lap pace has always been a real strength of his, and he has an instinctive feel for extracting performance from a car.”
“With the arrival of GEN4, having a driver who can contribute both on track and through the development process will be invaluable, and from what we’ve seen so far, the characteristics of the GEN4 should suit Jake’s intuitive driving style very well.”
The introduction of GEN4 represents a significant technical milestone for Formula E, placing increased importance on development and adaptation. Hughes’ ability to provide detailed feedback and help refine the car could therefore be just as important as the speed he delivers on race weekends.
Looking Ahead to Pre-Season Testing
Hughes is not starting from scratch with his new team, having already taken part in testing with CUPRA KIRO last season. That existing working relationship should help ease his transition into the race seat and allow him to focus on preparing for the challenges ahead.
Formula E’s pre-season testing is scheduled to take place in Madrid in November, providing Hughes with a further opportunity to familiarise himself with the GEN4 machinery before the new campaign begins.
With championship experience, proven qualifying speed and an established relationship with the team, Hughes’ return offers CUPRA KIRO a blend of performance and technical knowledge as it prepares for a new chapter in Formula E.
