Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has signed 2023 Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire as a development driver ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old Frenchman joins an expanded development structure that includes Doriane Pin, current F2 racer Joshua Durksen, and former Formula 1 driver Anthony Davidson, who also works as a Sky Sports F1 analyst. Meanwhile, Fred Vesti, who battled Pourchaire for the 2023 F2 title, will continue as third driver in support of full-time race drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Pourchaire was widely regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the junior paddock but was unable to secure a Formula 1 race seat during his time with the Sauber Academy. In 2024, he gained experience in IndyCar with McLaren, although his stint was cut short after a handful of races when he was replaced by Nolan Siegel.
With his single-seater progression stalled, Pourchaire pivoted to endurance racing, where his trajectory quickly regained momentum. After being signed as a reserve driver by Peugeot in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), he later joined Algarve Pro Racing in the European Le Mans Series, including an appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For the current campaign, Pourchaire holds a full-time race seat with Peugeot in WEC, sharing driving duties alongside Formula E competitor Nick Cassidy and former F1 driver Paul di Resta. The move has allowed him to maintain competitive race mileage while reconnecting with Formula 1 through his new role at Mercedes.
The announcement follows Mercedes’ confirmation of its 2026 junior programme, which features nine drivers and is headlined by 17-year-olds Rashid Al Dhaheri and Ethan Jeff-Hall, competing in Formula Regional and British F4 respectively.
With a Formula 2 title and cross-category experience, Pourchaire’s appointment strengthens Mercedes’ development pool as the team prepares for the new season under the revised technical regulations.
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