Pourchaire joins Peugeot Hypercar team for 2026

2023 Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire has signed with Peugeot as a factory driver for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season, joining fellow recent addition Nick Cassidy.

The Frenchman will make his first start in a 9X8 ahead of the 2026 opener, racing in place of Stoffel Vandoorne at Bahrain, who will depart the team when his contract expires after the round at Fuji.

This promotion comes after Pourchaire was invited to take part in the Bahrain WEC rookie test in November 2024, where he completed 17 laps at the wheel of a 9X8 and convinced the team to appoint him as development driver.

Since stepping up to his development role, he has taken part in several tests at the wheel of the Hypercar (including a run earlier this week at COTA), as well as numerous simulator sessions. He’s also been competing in the WEC with Algarve Pro Racing in LMP2, adding to his sports car racing CV.

“Théo continues his learning process with the 9X8, and this race represents a logical step in his integration into the Hypercar program,” said Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport’s technical director.
“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 quickly adapted to the discipline, and his commitment since the start of the project has been remarkable.

“Making his WEC debut in Bahrain naturally fits with his journey alongside the team. 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.”

Pourchaire said: “I am 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.

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I am 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 take the start of this legendary race in the top category behind the wheel of the Peugeot 9X8.
I am delighted to make 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.”

Vandoorne’s departure comes after he completed 13 WEC races in the 9X8, achieving two Hyperpole qualifications, the most recent one at Spa-Francorchamps.

“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. The whole team wishes him the very best for the future of his career,” said Jansonnie.