Théo Pourchaire Named 2026 Peugeot 9X8 WEC Full-time Driver
Team Peugeot TotalEnergies confirms that French racer Théo Pourchaire, 22, will make his FIA World Endurance Championship debut in the PEUGEOT 9X8 at the 8 Hours of Bahrain in 2025 and step up as a full-time driver in 2026. He will take over the PEUGEOT 9X8 #94 from Stoffel Vandoorne after the 6 Hours of Fuji, as the Belgian’s contract concludes.
Currently a development driver with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, Pourchaire first drove the PEUGEOT 9X8 during the Bahrain Rookie Test in 2024. After winning the FIA Formula 2 Championship, gaining experience in Super Formula and IndyCar, and serving as a Formula 1 reserve driver, he joined the Bahrain Rookie Test in November 2024 and completed 17 laps in the Hypercar. His pace, analysis, and team ethic convinced Peugeot to appoint him as a development driver for the 2025 season.
He has since conducted multiple private tests in the Hypercar and completed extensive simulator work at Satory. This year, he also began his endurance racing journey in LMP2, claiming pole at Imola in ELMS and finishing his first 24 Hours of Le Mans in eighth place in class, reinforcing his readiness for top-level FIA WEC competition.
Pourchaire will make his race debut in the PEUGEOT 9X8 #94 at the 8 Hours of Bahrain on 8 November, the final round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship, in place of Vandoorn”. “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 Olivier Jansonnie, Peugeot Sport Technical Director. Vandoorne has contested 13 FIA WEC races with the PEUGEOT 9X8 and secured two Hyperpoles, most recently at Spa-Francorchamps, to the delight of his many fans.
“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. “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 project's inception 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.”
After recently announcing New Zealander Nick Cassidy, who sampled the PEUGEOT 9X8 in testing at the Austin circuit, Team Peugeot TotalEnergies now confirms Pourchaire as a full-time driver for the 2026 season, strengthening its Hypercar programme for the FIA WEC and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Théo Pourchaire, 2026 Full-Time Driver: “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. 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 and Malthe, on a track I really enjoy and where I’ve already had great success in Formula 2 and karting.”
Jean-Marc Finot, Stellantis Motorsport VP: “At Peugeot, we have always placed great importance on supporting young drivers. Following a period of integration as a test driver, Théo Pourchaire’s appointment as a full-time driver within our Hypercar program reflects our commitment to building the future with promising talents who are trained to meet the demands of endurance racing. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA: developing skills, passing on our expertise, and giving young drivers the means to reach the highest level of performance.”
