As the end of the year approaches, it is time to review the sports seasons of our athletes from the Alpes-Maritimes. Théo Pourchaire had a tumultuous yet fulfilling 2024.
What seemed like a predetermined path for Théo Pourchaire’s 2024 season in motorsport turned out to be quite different. After signing on for the full season with the Impul team in Super Formula, he ended up doing just one race. A run-off into a gravel trap at Suzuka left him in eighteenth place. This season might have seemed like a learning experience for the driver from Grasse. Then, a new opportunity arose for him.
His Career Across the Atlantic
He received a call from the Arrow McLaren team in Indycar. They needed a driver after David Malukas got injured, for the Long Beach Grand Prix. Following two fairly successful races and an environment that seemed to suit him, Arrow McLaren announced the French driver as a regular member. Théo Pourchaire officially joined the orange team alongside Patricio O’Ward and Alexander Rossi. He left the Land of the Rising Sun and its Super Formula championship to focus entirely on the United States. However, just three races later, despite very good results, it was already over. Arrow McLaren announced they were parting ways with Théo Pourchaire, a month after his appointment. He was left without a seat for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, the driver from Grasse returned to the United States for a final stint in Toronto, following Alexander Rossi’s injury.
A Pause in His Season
After his American adventure, he returned to Europe for his role as a reserve driver at Stake F1 Team. He split his time between the simulator in Switzerland and his personal training. The driver from Grasse got back on F1 circuits, particularly in Monza, to negotiate a possible seat with Sauber’s new team manager, Mattia Binotto. Canal+ also invited him to the last Grand Prix of the season as a consultant.
Meanwhile, he also participated in Dorian Boccolacci’s karting event on the Brignoles circuit. He returned to the track only at the end of November with Peugeot in endurance racing.
A Renewal in Endurance?
After his test on November 4th in Bahrain, Peugeot announced Théo Pourchaire as a development driver in endurance racing. He had already started his role by participating in a 40-hour test at the Paul Ricard circuit on December 11. A few days later, Sauber officially announced the end of their contract with the French driver.
Although nothing is official for now, several rumors suggest the driver’s entry into the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). It’s a good opportunity for him to revisit some European tracks and gain experience.
