Hughes joins Marti at CUPRA Kiro

[u/l3w1s1234]

https://fenotebook.com/2026/10/12/hughes-joins-marti-at-cupra-kiro/

[u/F1_Skittle]

So is dan ticktum gone?

[u/DatHeroAndy → u/F1_Skittle]

Probably switching to Lola if the rumours are true

[u/MidnightSunshine0196 → u/DatHeroAndy]

If you believe Sam Smith, he might also be joining Barnard at Fortescue

[u/DatHeroAndy → u/MidnightSunshine0196]

Could be. Other drivers like Eriksson or Buemi are rumoured to be in the seat contention as well.

[u/l3w1s1234 → u/F1_Skittle]

Apparently in talks with Fortescue, Lola and the unknown Porsche team

[u/DBepic]

Outta nowhere!
Welcome back Jake!

[u/spicyTeaser → u/DBepic]

yeah that popped up out of nowhere, you always keep up with the driver moves like this?

[u/BulkNoodles → u/spicyTeaser]

I think this was a legit suprise because even the sniffer didn't expect it. Heck, even Jake Hughes' camp didn't expect him to get it.

[u/CodeRoyal → u/DBepic]

He was a contender for the seat last season before they decided on Marti.

[u/cassidiara]

WE CHEERED

[u/DHSeaVixen]

Surprise!

[u/BaywatchPatrakaar]

Yessss!! Great to see him on the grid again!

[u/BaywatchPatrakaar]

Baguette?

[u/BulkNoodles → u/BaywatchPatrakaar]

That's because the livery launch is done at Paris if im not mistaken.

[u/BaywatchPatrakaar → u/BulkNoodles]

Aah! Thank you!

[u/plastikmissile → u/BaywatchPatrakaar]

Nato come back? 🤣

[u/Over_Elk_546]

LET'S GOOO! I love hughes! 

[u/JakeyAB]

Amazing news!

[u/Njobz]

I’m glad he’s back

[u/Spockyt]

I can’t help but feel it’s a little underwhelming of a signing, personally. Like, we know what he can do and it’s fine. He’s a good driver, but nothing more.

[u/BulkNoodles → u/Spockyt]

I'd put him at the level of Joel Erikkson. Definitely not the next exciting talents, but good enough that the team can get stability.

Also, Kiro already has their number 1 driver, so no point in getting another one. That would just cause unnecessary headaches. Just ask Jaguar how it went.

[u/Then_Flamingo_8223 → u/BulkNoodles]

Is Pepe now number 1 driver? I’m so happy for him

[u/BulkNoodles → u/Then_Flamingo_8223]

From my perspective, yes. He got multiple podium on his rookie season plus beating the much more experienced teammate.

[u/Jeburg → u/Then_Flamingo_8223]

I don't think that's been announced, we'll see how Kiro manage strategy during the season and that will tell. I'd guess not, in my head they are probably a similar level but Marti is younger (and Spanish with a Spanish sponsor) so is probably a more long term hope for the team

[u/Jeburg → u/Spockyt]

I agree that's he's a good driver but nothing special but I wouldn't say underwhelming. I'd argue he did similar to Bird and Vandoorne when teammates with them and I think he deserved a little bit more time to prove himself. I think he was a strong qualifier and sometimes lacked race pace but got better with time. He'll probably never be top 10 drivers on the grid but it's a strong grid

[u/DamienDCZ]

great news. it was sad to see a good driver out of the series. 👍