Formula E: Cupra Kiro replaces Dan Ticktum with Jake Hughes & unveils new Gen4 livery

After months of speculation, Dan Ticktum's future at Cupra Kiro has been decided. The Briton loses his Formula E seat to Jake Hughes, who returns to the all-electric championship after a year on the sidelines. The former McLaren and Maserati driver will partner Pepe Martí for the 2026/27 season. Meanwhile, the Porsche customer team has also unveiled its striking new Gen4 livery.

Hughes brings valuable Formula E experience

Following the transformation of Maserati MSG Racing into Citroen Racing after Season 11, the team opted for an entirely new driver line-up, signing Nick Cassidy and Jean-Eric Vergne. As a result, former regular drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Jake Hughes were left without a seat for the following season, forcing both to spend a year on the sidelines.

Hughes most recently served as a reserve driver for Mahindra Racing while also competing in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with Algarve Pro Racing. In addition, he works as a simulator driver for the McLaren Formula 1 team.

The Briton has now secured a full-time return to Formula E with Cupra Kiro. During his previous stint in the championship, Hughes established himself as an excellent qualifier, securing four pole positions and two podium finishes.

"I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Cupra Kiro," Hughes said. "It feels like something I've been waiting for for a long time. The team has laid the foundations for something really special, and hopefully we can now build on those achievements and achieve even greater success."

Familiar identity with a more abstract design

Alongside the announcement of its new driver, Cupra Kiro has also unveiled its livery for the Gen4 era. The team has retained the distinctive combination of copper and neon yellow introduced when Cupra joined the American outfit.

However, the colours are no longer applied in such large, continuous sections. Instead, black plays a much more prominent role in the new design. The most striking change is the prism-like fragmentation of the colours as they transition into black across the side panels and rear half of the car.

The fresh design and new driver line-up have generated excitement within the team, although team principal Russell O'Hagan is also setting high expectations for the upcoming season.

"Last year, we made improvements in almost every area of the team," O'Hagan said. "There is a real sense of trust and confidence within the team, and we are highly motivated to translate that into performance when we go racing later this year. I can't wait to see what we can achieve."

Hughes and Pepe Martí will make their first appearance together in Cupra Kiro's new Gen4 car during pre-season testing in Madrid, starting on 16 November.