Formula E confirmed Jake Hughes' full-time return for 2026/27 alongside Pepe Martí at CUPRA KIRO on October 12. The team unveiled fluorescent yellow and copper GEN4 colors at the Paris Motor Show for the new generation's first season.
From a reserve year back to full-time racing
Hughes raced in FE from 2023–25 for McLaren and Maserati. Shanghai's 2024 runner-up was his first podium; Jeddah in 2025 brought third for Maserati. Experience gives championship familiarity, but the new generation requires adaptation.
After Maserati, he was Mahindra's 2025/26 reserve while continuing McLaren F1 testing and simulator work. He now moves from awaiting substitution to a full season's race duties.
The livery retains recent fluorescent yellow and adds CUPRA copper. The visual scheme is confirmed; front-running through new technology and drivers remains a team target.
Speed and development feedback both matter
In the official signing announcement, Team Principal Russell O'Hagan cited established lap speed and development experience across FE and F1. Hughes looks forward to preseason testing, hopes GEN4’s speed and technical characteristics suit his driving style and seeks wins.
INKA SPORTS analysis: Why Hughes at a generation change?
The choice serves racing and development. Shanghai and Jeddah demonstrate previous front-running results; reserve, test and simulator work sustain development involvement. O'Hagan values both, seeking results and understanding of the car.
Their functions differ: past-generation results do not predict GEN4 positions; development experience must work through feedback and setup. Testing both drivers' use of the car comes first, then converting single-lap performance into sustained points.
Conclusion
CUPRA KIRO has its lineup and livery. Hughes' record and development history address two new-generation needs, but front-running still requires actual testing and competition.
