Formula E: Jake Hughes hired as bench warmer by Mahindra Team

Mahindra Racing announced that Jake Hughes (pictured) has joined the team as an official Reserve and Simulator Driver, strengthening the team’s driver line-up alongside Kush Maini, who continues in his role as Mahindra Racing’s other official Reserve Driver.

Hughes brings a wealth of experience to the role, having competed full-time in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for three seasons between 2023 and 2025, racing first for McLaren and later Maserati. During that time, the 31-year-old claimed four pole positions and secured podium finishes in Shanghai and Jeddah, establishing himself as a consistent front-runner following a highly successful junior career.

Highly regarded for his technical feedback and development capability, Hughes has performed test and development roles across both Formula 1 and Formula E, working with McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin in F1, and Mercedes EQ and Maserati MSG in Formula E.

With Hughes joining in addition to Kush Maini, Mahindra Racing will benefit from two official Reserve and Test/Simulator Drivers, providing critical support to race drivers Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara as the team continues development of the new M12Electro. This expanded driver support structure will be instrumental as Mahindra pushes the boundaries of technology and performance in the GEN3 Evo era.

Alongside its current GEN3 Evo program, Mahindra Racing has also confirmed its long-term commitment to Formula E as a manufacturer through the GEN4 regulations, until at least 2030. Having two Reserve Drivers in place ensures continuity and depth across both development programs.

Hughes has already begun simulator work at Mahindra Racing’s Banbury headquarters and will work in parallel with Maini, who was recently confirmed to be undertaking a full-time FIA Formula 2 campaign in 2026.

Commenting on the news, Jake Hughes said, “I’m excited to begin this next chapter in my Formula E career with Mahindra Racing.

“What Mahindra have built over the past few seasons is very impressive, and it’s clear that the team is on a really positive trajectory.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part and helping to move this team—which is one of the championship’s iconic names—back towards the front of the grid.”

Pleased with the acquisition of a driver with Hughes’ talents, Mahindra Racing CEO & Team Principal, Frederic Bertrand, added: “It’s fantastic to welcome Jake to Mahindra Racing as our new Reserve and Simulator Driver.

“Jake gives us additional strength in depth in our driver line-up, and equally a very experienced, talented driver who can make a significant contribution across our GEN3 Evo and GEN4 test programs.

“We’re very excited to work with him and, alongside Nyck, Edo and Kush, believe this gives us one of the most complete and experienced driver line-ups in Formula E.”