Lola Yamaha and Cupra Kiro change team principals ahead of 2025/26 Formula E season

Mark Preston succeeds Thomas Biermaier at Lola Yamaha and Russell O'Hagan promoted by Cupra Kiro.
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The Lola Yamaha and Cupra Kiro Formula E teams have appointed new team principals ahead of the 2025/26 season. 

Key details:

  • Mark Preston will assume the role of team principal at Lola Yamaha
  • Cupra Kiro promotes Russell O’Hagan from deputy team principal

Context:

Preston succeeds Thomas Biermaier, who will continue to focus on broader projects at Abt in his role as chief executive, a position he has held since 2019. Preston previously served as team principal of DS Techeetah, where he led the team to two teams’ and three drivers’ championships. He transitions from his role as motorsport director of Lola Cars and will also be joined by a new deputy team principal, Fred Espinos, who will lead all day-to-day operations and sporting matters.

Meanwhile, O’Hagan steps up to replace Alex Hui, who served as team principal for the past six seasons. O’Hagan has been with Cupra Kiro since 2021, first joining as operations director before transitioning into a wider role that included acting as deputy team principal and chief operating officer.

Comment:

Preston said: “After a summer focused on development, I’m looking forward to leading the Lola Yamaha Abt team as we enter our second season, continuing to work closely alongside both Thomas and Fred as we build on the progress made in Season 11.

“As we prepare for the Gen4 era of Formula E as a manufacturer, we want to be more streamlined for the benefit of ourselves and our partners. Lola Cars is continuing to grow, having recently created a Vehicle Science Team, helping us to drive innovation through motorsport to engineer solutions that will shape the future of mobility.”

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