Silverstone Park-based Formula E team CUPRA KIRO has appointed former McLaren Formula 1 test driver Gary Paffett as its new Racing Director.
The team described the move as the first in a series of leadership additions designed to position itself for long-term success in the all-electric championship.
It follows a strong debut Formula E season for CUPRA KIRO in 2024/25, highlighted by a maiden pole position and race victory (in Jakarta).
Gary, who served as McLaren’s test and reserve driver from 2005 to 2014 — a period that included Lewis Hamilton’s first F1 world title with the team in 2008 — brings both top-level development expertise and proven racing pedigree. He also won the international DTM racing crown in Germany in both 2005 and 2018 before moving into management roles.
Reporting directly to Chief Operating Officer Russell O’Hagan, he will oversee CUPRA KIRO’s sporting and technical operations as the team gears up for the introduction of Formula E’s fourth-generation cars in 2026.
Formula E is the world’s leading all-electric racing championship, contested by major automotive manufacturers as a platform for innovation in electric vehicle technology.
