CUPRA KIRO has appointed motorsport professional Gary Paffett as their new Racing Director. This move aims to strengthen the team’s leadership ahead of season 12 of the FIA Formula E World Championship.
The British driver-turned-team leader brings more than 25 years of top-level racing experience to CUPRA KIRO. The young team quickly made its mark in their first electric racing season with a maiden podium, pole position, and victory at the Jakarta E-Prix.
From Driver to Title-Winning Team Boss
Paffett won two DTM titles in his own career and worked nearly a decade as a Formula 1 test driver for the McLaren Racing Team. His debut in Formula E happened in 2018 with HWA RACELAB, before transitioning into management roles in the sport. He notably helped guide Mercedes EQ to back-to-back Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships. Paffet stayed with the team during their transition into NEOM McLaren Formula E Team and filled the role of Sporting Director.
Strengthening for the Future
In his new role, Paffett will report to Chief Operating Officer Russel O’Hagan. His focus will be on improving CUPRA KIRO’s operational strength. The team is preparing for the arrival of the GEN4 era in 2026/27. His appointment is the first of a planned series of senior appointments. The young team targets with this move long-term growth and consistent success in the seasons to come.
O’Hagen called his new hire “an exciting and important step“ for CUPRA KIRO. “Gary’s skill set is unique and second to none,” he said in a press release earlier this week. “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.”
Eyes on the next step
Paffet said he was joining CUPRA KIRO at “a pivotal point” in its story. “I know just how competitive, dynamic and demanding this championship is,” he explained. “That’s why it’s so important to have the right culture, processes, and attention to detail.”
He added that he is looking forward to working with the team’s leadership, drivers, and crew. “I’m looking forward to working closely with Russell, Alex, the drivers and the whole team to help shape the next phase,” he stated. “Ensure that we’re in the best possible position to continue challenging at the front.”
The Formula E 2025/26 season is set to get underway later this year.