Red Bull Confirm Driver Exit as Rising Star Pepe Martí Secures Formula E Seat for 2026
Red Bull Racing have officially confirmed the departure of young Spanish driver Pepe Martí, marking the end of his journey within the team’s prestigious Junior Driver Programme. The 20-year-old has been widely regarded as one of the most talented prospects in Red Bull’s development ranks, but his career is now taking a new turn as he moves away from the world of Formula 1 to embrace a future in Formula E.
Martí, who competes in Formula 2 with Campos Racing, enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, capturing three race victories and consistently showcasing the speed and composure that made him a standout in the field. Despite his success and close ties to Red Bull, the Spaniard has opted to shift his career path toward electric racing, joining Cupra Kiro for the 2025/26 Formula E season.
Red Bull made the news public with an emotional farewell statement, expressing gratitude for Martí’s contribution during his time with the team.
The message read:
“After two incredible years together, Pepe’s journey with the Red Bull Junior Team comes to an end. As he begins an exciting new chapter in Formula E, it’s been a pleasure having him as part of our family. Gracias Pepe, and best of luck on this new adventure.”
The announcement signifies Martí’s complete exit from the Red Bull setup, as he will no longer be part of their junior programme or F1 development plans. However, his career remains under the management of A14 Management, the company founded by two-time Formula 1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, who continues to guide the careers of several young Spanish talents.
A New Chapter with Cupra Kiro
Martí’s move to Cupra Kiro places him alongside British driver Dan Ticktum, who will remain with the team for another season. Cupra Kiro had a mixed 2024/25 campaign, finishing 10th in the Constructors’ Championship, though they did secure a morale-boosting race win in Jakarta—a sign of the potential the team hopes to build upon in Season 12.
The team confirmed that Martí will join their Valencia pre-season testing next week as preparations begin for Formula E’s next campaign, which kicks off in December with the São Paulo E-Prix.
In his first official statement as a Cupra Kiro driver, Martí expressed enthusiasm about the challenge ahead and gratitude for the opportunity.
“I’m very excited to join Cupra Kiro for the 2025/26 Formula E season. Obviously, it will be my first time racing in the category, so I’ll be a rookie, but I’m really looking forward to it,” Martí said.
“The team is coming into Season 12 after a great result in Jakarta, and I feel very motivated to begin this new chapter. With Dan [Ticktum] as my teammate, I’ll have a lot to learn, but my goal is to adapt quickly, score points, and deliver strong performances for the team.”
From F2 Promise to Electric Ambition
Martí’s decision to move to Formula E marks a significant career shift. For years, he was seen as one of Red Bull’s most promising future F1 drivers, following in the footsteps of graduates like Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo. However, with Formula 1’s grid seats increasingly difficult to secure—and Red Bull’s own pipeline packed with rising stars such as Liam Lawson and Ayumu Iwasa—the young Spaniard’s choice reflects a pragmatic approach to sustaining a top-level motorsport career.
Formula E has also gained prestige in recent seasons, attracting major manufacturers and talented drivers from across the motorsport spectrum. Martí’s addition to Cupra Kiro not only strengthens the team’s lineup but also underlines the growing crossover appeal between traditional and electric racing disciplines.
As Martí prepares for his Formula E debut, many within the motorsport community will be watching closely to see how his talent translates to the unique demands of electric single-seaters. His calm composure, adaptability, and technical skill in Formula 2 suggest he could quickly become one of the standout rookies in the upcoming season.
The Spaniard’s Formula E debut will come this December at the São Paulo E-Prix, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for one of motorsport’s most promising young drivers. For Red Bull, it’s the end of one journey—but for Pepe Martí, it’s the start of another electrifying adventure.
