In barely a month, Théo Pourchaire will have discovered two motorsport disciplines. After making his debut in Super Formula, a category in which he will compete for the entire season in Japan, the 20-year-old French driver, expected in Formula 1 in the coming years, if not from 2025, will freelance in Indycar.
The French prodigy, Formula 2 world champion last season, will be behind the wheel this weekend in the number 6 McLaren for the second meeting of the season in Long Beach (United States). Rumors surrounding his name had been circulating for several days for this last minute replacement.
In one of the best teams in Indycar
With number 1 driver David Malukas still injured, and his replacement Callum Ilott being mobilized for the World Endurance Championship at Imola, McLaren finally checked Pourchaire's name. An open secret since the Frenchman was conspicuously displayed near Indianapolis, close to the British brand's workshops. He was also able to have the right to a simulator session with Kyle Larson, a Nascar driver and close to McLaren.
With this number 6 single-seater, Théo Pourchaire has, unlike his Impul in Super Formula, a leading car and one of the best on the grid. At the start, he will be alongside Romain Grosjean, the other Frenchman involved in the discipline, Simon Pagenaud still being injured. On the other hand, the adaptation time will be extremely limited, having never raced in a very particular discipline. The race is scheduled for this Sunday at 9:30 p.m. French time.