Mercedes signs F2 champion Theo Pourchaire as development driver

Mercedes has recruited 2023 Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire as a development driver, bringing the highly-rated French talent into its F1 operation after his single-seater career stalled. Pourchaire will join fellow junior drivers Fred Vesti and Doriane Pin in supporting race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli from the team's base in Brackley.

Why it matters:

This move secures a top-tier prospect for Mercedes' talent pipeline at a crucial time. Pourchaire, once considered a future F1 star, brings recent championship-winning experience and a fresh perspective after his time in other racing series. For Pourchaire, it's a vital lifeline back to the pinnacle of motorsport, offering a structured path and factory-level resources to rebuild his open-wheel career.

The details:

• Pourchaire, 22, clinched the F2 title in 2023 after a close battle with new Mercedes colleague Fred Vesti but was unable to secure an F1 race seat despite being part of the Sauber Academy.
• His career took a detour in 2024 with a brief stint in IndyCar for McLaren, which ended abruptly after only a few races in favor of another driver.
• Shifting focus to endurance racing proved successful; he served as a reserve for Peugeot in the WEC and raced with Algarve Pro Racing in ELMS, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• He now holds a full-time race seat with the Peugeot factory team in the WEC alongside Nick Cassidy and Paul di Resta, balancing his new Mercedes duties.
• The signing follows Mercedes' recent announcement of its 2025 junior program, which features nine drivers headlined by young talents in Formula Regional and British F4.

What's next:

Pourchaire's role will involve extensive simulator work, supporting car development, and potentially participating in test sessions. This position is a strategic opportunity for both parties: Mercedes gains a proven winner for its development team, and Pourchaire gets a coveted foothold within a top F1 operation. His performance here could reignite his chances for an F1 race seat in the future, making this a critical chapter in his professional journey.