P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Mercedes has secured the services of Theo Pourchaire, who battled against current reserve driver Fred Vesti in F2.
Mercedes has recruited Theo Pourchaire, the 2023 Formula 2 champion, as a development driver for the upcoming F1 season starting in Melbourne. Pourchaire joins the ranks of Doriane Pin, Joshua Durksen, and Anthony Davidson in this role. Fred Vesti, who closely battled Pourchaire in their Final F2 campaign, will stay as a third driver for the team, supporting George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. Despite his talents, Pourchaire faced challenges securing a race seat earlier on, before transitioning to endurance racing with success. Recently, he has secured a full-time race seat with Peugeot alongside Nick Cassidy and Paul di Resta. This signing follows Mercedes’ announcement of its junior programme featuring young talents like Rashid Al Dhaheri and Ethan Jeff-Hall competing in 2026.
