CUPRA KIRO has confirmed the promotion of Russell O’Hagan to the position of Team Principal, replacing Alex Hui ahead of the 2025/2026 Formula E season.
O’Hagan steps into the role after serving as Chief Operating Officer for Kiro Race Co since 2021. He brings over 25 years of engineering and operational motorsport experience to the leadership position.
A proven leader
Before joining CUPRA KIRO, O’Hagan built a strong career across a range of operational management roles in motorsport. He joined Kiro Race Co in 2021 and quickly rose through the ranks from Operations Director to Chief Operating Officer. His operational experience has made him a key figure in CUPRA KIRO’s debut season triumph.
“It is a privilege to lead Kiro Race Co into the 2025/2026 season, and I’m delighted to have been entrusted with this opportunity,” said O’Hagan. “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.”
Leadership strength and transition
O’Hagan will be supported by an experienced leadership team. The group includes Racing Director Gary Paffett, Chief Engineer Mike Henderson, Operations Manager Mark Turner, Finance & HR Director Linda Chance, and Commercial Director Jon Wilde. The group will continue to drive the team forward as CUPRA KIRO enters its second season in the all-electric championship.
Outgoing Team Principal Alex Hui will become Senior Adviser to The Forest Road Company and Kiro Race Co’s ownership group. Hui led the team through its debut Formula E campaign, delivering one pole position, two podiums, and one win.
Preparation for Season 12
With O’Hagan now taking the lead, CUPRA KIRO aims to challenge further up the grid for the 2025/2026 season. In addition, the team has confirmed its driver lineup, featuring Pepe Martí and Dan Ticktum.
Jeremy Tarica, Managing Director of The Forest Road Company, praised the appointment and reflected on the team’s rapid progress:
“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,” highlighted Tarica. “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.”
Tarica concluded: “We’re entering our next chapter with confidence, momentum, and shared commitment — and that journey begins next week in Valencia.”
Formula E will host its pre-season test at Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia on October 27-30, 2025. As well as the second official Formula E Women’s Test on October 30th, in which Bianca Bustamante will drive for CUPRA KIRO.
