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, first with McLaren, then Maserati.
In that time, the 31-year-old scored four pole positions and podium finishes in Shanghai and Jeddah, establishing himself as a consistent front-runner in the FIA’s all electric series after a silverware-laden career in the junior categories.
Hughes is equally revered for his ability as a test and development driver, having performed similar roles for McLaren, Mercedes and Aston Martin in Formula 1, and for Mercedes EQ and Venturi in Formula E.
That support will prove vital to the Indian team and race drivers Nyck de Vries and Edoardo Mortara, as Mahindra continues to push the boundaries of technology and performance with the new M12Electro, with the ultimate aim of competing for the championship in the coming years.
As well as the current GEN3 Evo car, Mahindra also recently confirmed its commitment to remain in Formula E as a manufacturer through the GEN4 ruleset, until at least 2030, giving the team two simultaneous programmes for Hughes to contribute across.
Hughes has already begun development work with the team on the simulator at its base in Banbury, England, and will slot in alongside the team’s other Reserve Driver, Kush Maini, who was recently announced as having a full-time 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 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 programmes.
“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.”