Théo Pourchaire will be promoted to a race seat in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies in November’s season finale in Bahrain, as the precursor to a full-time programme in the series in 2026.
It was at Bahrain International Circuit last year that Pourchaire got his first taste of the Peugeot 9X8 Hypercar during the annual FIA WEC Rookie Test, completing 17 laps behind the wheel and impressing the French manufacturer with his performance, analytical approach and team spirit.
The 22-year-old was subsequently appointed as an official development driver for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, going on to participate in a number of private tests and numerous simulator sessions at the team’s base in Satory. Alongside that, he made his endurance racing bow in the LMP2 category, claiming pole position at Imola in the European Le Mans Series and finishing eighth in-class on his maiden appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“I’m super-happy — thank you to Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for making my dream of becoming a professional racing driver come true, and thank you to everyone who has supported me,” enthused Pourchaire, who clinched the FIA Formula 2 Championship crown in 2023 and has also competed in IndyCar and accrued experience as a Formula 1 test and reserve driver.
“I’m proud to represent Peugeot, a brand with a rich motorsport history that has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I can’t wait to contest this legendary race in the top category behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8. I’m delighted to be making my race debut in Bahrain alongside Loïc [Duval] and Malthe [Jakobsen], on a track I really enjoy and where I’ve already had great success in Formula 2 and karting.”
“Théo continues his learning process with the 9X8, and this race represents a logical step in his integration into the Hypercar programme,” commented Peugeot Sport Technical Director, Olivier Jansonnie. “After a strong season in ELMS and steady progress, Théo has shown that he has the qualities required to perform at the highest level of endurance racing. He has quickly adapted to the discipline, and his commitment since the start of the project has been remarkable.
“Making his FIA WEC debut in Bahrain naturally fits with his journey alongside the team, and we have full confidence in his ability to meet the demands of the world championship. This opportunity aligns with our desire to prepare for the future by gradually integrating young, high-potential talents.”
“At Peugeot, we have always placed great importance on supporting young drivers,” echoed Stellantis Motorsport VP, Jean-Marc Finot. “After a period of integration as a test-driver, Théo’s appointment as a full-time driver within our Hypercar programme reflects our commitment to building the future with promising talents, trained to meet the demands of endurance racing. This philosophy is deeply-rooted in the brand’s DNA – developing skills, passing on our expertise and giving young drivers the means to attain the highest level of performance.”
Pourchaire will join Formula E front-runner Nick Cassidy as a new face in Peugeot’s race line-up next season, and will replace Stoffel Vandoorne as a member of the #94 crew in Bahrain. The Belgian has competed for the squad since the beginning of 2024, reaching the rostrum for the first time in FIA WEC’s top-tier in Texas last weekend.
“On behalf of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, I would like to thank Stoffel for his professionalism, commitment and all the experience he has shared with us over these two years,” said Jansonnie. “The whole team wishes him the very best for the future.”
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