P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Former Sauber F1 protege Theo Pourchaire is a surprise new addition to Mercedes’ development driver ranks for 2026
Former Sauber Formula 1 protege Theo Pourchaire has secured a surprise new role as part of Mercedes’ development driver lineup for 2026. Pourchaire demonstrated his potential in the early 2020s as one of the top drivers in the junior ladder, narrowly missing out on the Formula 3 title in 2020 and becoming the youngest Formula 2 race winner in 2021. Despite a slightly slower progress in F2, Pourchaire claimed the F2 title in 2023. After parting ways with Sauber in 2024 and experiencing a stint in IndyCar and sportscar racing, he has now found himself back on a path potentially leading to Formula 1 with Mercedes. Joining a talented development lineup, Pourchaire’s journey intersects with F2 runner-up Frederik Vesti, F1 Academy champion Doriane Pin, and ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson at Mercedes.
