Formula E: Former McLaren test driver appointed as Cupra Kiro's as Racing Director

After a strong campaign in the 2024/2025 Formula E season, the Cupra Kiro outfit has strengthened its leadership and management team with appointment of motorsport veteran, Gary Paffett who will take on the role of Racing Director.

With more than 25 years of motor racing experience, Paffett will join the Cupra Kiro team which was rebranded for the 2024/25 season and ended the campaign with a maiden podium, pole position, and landmark victory at the Jakarta E-Prix courtesy of Dan Ticktum.

A former professional racing driver, Paffett won the DTM series in 2005 and 2018 and served as a test driver for McLaren in Formula 1 from 2005 to 2014. He made his Formula E debut with HWA Racelab in the 2018/19 season.

After retiring from competitive driving in 2019, Paffett joined Mercedes EQ as Sporting & Technical Advisor. He later became Team Manager in between the team’s back-to-back Formula E Drivers’ and Teams’ World Championship titles. When the team transitioned to McLaren, he continued in the role and also took on the position of Sporting Director.

Paffett will report into Chief Operating Officer, Russell O’Hagan, with Cupra Kiro hoping that it will strengthen its operations ahead of the arrival of Formula E’s fourth generation in late 2026.

Commenting on Paffett's appointment, Russell O’Hagan stated:“Bringing Gary on board is an exciting and important step for CUPRA KIRO as we continue to grow and mature as an organisation.

"For our first season, we set ambitious targets around building a high-performance culture while laying the groundwork to become a consistent force in Formula E. Gary’s skill set is unique and second to none. He’s won at the highest level, both as a driver and as an operator, and knows exactly what it takes to deliver World Championship titles in this series.

"We’re thrilled to welcome him to the team and I’m confident that, with his expertise, we’ll be even stronger as we head into the 2025/26 season, looking to take the next step in our journey.”

Speaking of his new role, Paffett stated: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining CUPRA KIRO at such a pivotal point in their story. When the team approached me about the opportunity, it was immediately clear that they’re building something ambitious and future focused.

"Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to experience success, and I know just how competitive, dynamic, and demanding this championship is. That’s why it’s so important to have the right culture, processes, and attention to detail in place from the ground up.

"I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell, Alex, the drivers and the whole team to help shape the next phase of CUPRA KIRO’s development and ensure that we’re in the best possible position to continue challenging at the front.”