CUPRA KIRO sets the stage for 2025/26 Formula E season

On the eve of Pre-Season Testing for the 2025/26 FIA Formula E World Championship, Kiro Race Co is delighted to unveil its challenger for the coming campaign and announce key leadership changes ahead of its second season in the series. 

A new look for the next chapter

Before the official start of testing at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, Kiro Race Co has lifted the covers off its 2025/26 challenger, making a vivid statement of intent for the season ahead.
 
An evolution of the fluorescent yellow and copper design that became a hallmark of the team’s identity during its debut season, the livery celebrates continuity, confidence, and performance.
 
By retaining CUPRA’s signature copper tones while showcasing Kiro Race Co’s bold design language, the livery represents the power of CUPRA KIRO’s shared ambition to defy convention through innovation, collaboration, and unity.
 
On track, Dan Ticktum will return to the CUPRA KIRO cockpit after delivering the team’s first pole position, podium, and race win last season. He will be joined by hot-shot Spanish rookie, Pepe Martí, one of motorsport’s brightest emerging talents who steps up to Formula E from Formula 2.

For Season 12, the team also welcomes back Development Driver, Bianca Bustamante, who will make her second on-track appearance for CUPRA KIRO at Formula E’s official Women’s Test next week, underscoring a continued commitment to supporting next generation drivers.
 
Following testing, CUPRA KIRO will kick-start its 2025/26 campaign on 6 December in São Paulo, Brazil, before embarking on a global season of action, with Formula E holding a second race in China, the Sanya E-Prix, on 20 June 2026, alongside a new race in Madrid and CUPRA KIRO’s own home event, set to take place at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
 
Ahead of the start of the new season, CUPRA KIRO will also share further commercial news, signalling additional growth in the lead up to Brazil.

Leadership restructure powers Kiro Race Co's next phase

Before Pre-Season Testing commences, Kiro Race Co is also pleased to announce the promotion of Russell O’Hagan to the position of Team Principal.
 
Having served as Kiro Race Co’s Chief Operating Officer since joining the team in 2021 when the outfit raced under a previous guise, Russell progresses into the position well prepared, bringing 25 years of operational motorsport experience to the role.
 
He will be supported by a proven leadership team including Racing Director, Gary Paffett; Chief Engineer, Mike Henderson; Operations Manager, Mark Turner; Finance & HR Director, Linda Chance; and Commercial Director, Jon Wilde.
 
Russell succeeds Alex Hui, who will transition into a new role as Senior Advisor to The Forest Road Company and Kiro Race Co’s ownership group.
 
During his tenure as Team Principal, Alex helped guide Kiro Race Co through its breakthrough debut season in Formula E which saw successes both on and off the track.

Jeremy Tarica, Managing Director, The Forest Road Company
“When I look back, I’m immensely proud to see how far Kiro Race Co has come now that we’re embarking on our second season in Formula E. In Season 11, the team surpassed all expectations by achieving major commercial and sporting successes which were critical to laying the foundation for the team’s future. Russell’s promotion to the position of Team Principal represents the next phase of that development, and after playing an instrumental role in our achievements last season, I’m very excited to see what he can achieve across 2025 and 2026. We’re entering our next chapter with confidence, momentum, and shared commitment, and that journey begins next week in Valencia.”
 
Russell O’Hagan, Team Principal, Kiro Race Co
“It is a privilege to lead Kiro Race Co into the 2025/26 season, and I’m delighted to have been entrusted with this opportunity.  Over the past 12 months, we have worked exceptionally hard to lay our foundations and I feel more than ready for the challenge ahead. During the off-season, we have made a number of changes internally to strengthen our long-term position as an organisation, and thanks to the steps we’ve taken, we’re ready to build on our momentum.  Testing is the next phase of our journey, and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve.  We are excited for a strong and competitive season ahead.”