INDIANAPOLIS – Théo Pourchaire picked a great time to make a positive impression when he was the biggest mover of the race in the April 21 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet.
The 20-year-old who is the youngest winner in Formula 3 and Formula 2 history is making the move to the NTT IndyCar Series.
Arrow McLaren announced on Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that the 2023 Formula 2 champion would be running the remaining NTT IndyCar Series season except for the 108th Indianapolis 500 in the No. 6 Chevrolet.
Pourchaire will pilot the No. 6 SmartStop Chevrolet in the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course this weekend. Pourchaire will then return to the track at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, where he will be set to pilot the No. 6 Chevrolet for the duration of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season.
“The NTT IndyCar Series has some of the best racing in motorsport, and now I can say that with experience,” Pourchaire said. “I’m excited to take on this challenge with Arrow McLaren for the rest of the season. This is a special opportunity, and I am committed to learning and improving as we get on track each race weekend. I’ve enjoyed my first two races with the team, and I know we have plenty of potential in front of us. Of course, I would like to thank Zak Brown (McLaren Racing CEO), Garvin Ward (Arrow McLaren team principal), and Tony (Kanaan (Arrow McLaren Sporting Director), as well as the Sauber F1 Team, for making this all possible.”
Life comes fast and when opportunities are available, a racing driver has to take it. When NBCSports.com asked Pourchaire at the tremendous set of circumstances that have created this opportunity with one of the top teams in IndyCar, the 20-year-old found it an amazing time.
“It’s crazy when I think about it,” Pourchaire responded to NBCSports.com. “A few weeks ago I just received a call from Arrow McLaren to replace an injured driver for one race in Long Beach, so I just took my suitcase with not so many things inside, just told my parents I will come back soon, but apparently not.
“It’s good. It’s an amazing opportunity, as I said. Again, a big thank you to the Arrow McLaren team. For me it’s amazing to be able to drive for such a brand, a legendary name.
“It’s like a childhood dream to drive for McLaren. I will give my best and enjoy it, improve myself. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m happy to be here.”
The 2023 Formula 2 champion will compete on all ovals except the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He had a successful test with the Arrow McLaren crew at World Wide Technology Raceway on May 6.
“We’re excited to continue working with Théo,” Ward said. “He proved to be a quick learner, and we believe his skillset and learning mindset will support his development as he gets more comfortable racing in the NTT IndyCar Series. Now, it’s about continuing to grow and turning those learnings into results alongside the No. 6 team.”
The team has not yet announced who will race in the No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500. Callum Ilott is a leading candidate for that assignment.
David Malukas was originally supposed to be in the No. 6 Chevrolet this season, but he sustained a broken left wrist in a mountain biking crash on February 11 and had surgery on February 13. After he missed the fourth race of the 2024 season, Arrow McLaren terminated his contract.
As for Pourchaire, it’s a tremendous opportunity for the young driver who has claimed a ride at one of motor racing’s highest levels.
“I’m so happy to be able to drive more in IndyCar,” he said Thursday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “I just would like to thank Arrow McLaren for the opportunity. I developed a good relationship with the team since I arrived in Indianapolis, and right now I have this opportunity to finish the season with them, except the Indy 500, of course.
“It’s unbelievable.
“Also I have to thank Sauber. I’m part of the Sauber Academy, and I’m still a reserve driver for them, so they made this possible, as well. So big thanks to everybody, and I’m super happy.”
Pourchaire confirmed he will no longer compete in any Super Formula races in 2024 to devote more time in IndyCar. However, he remains a Formula One reserve driver for Sauber.
He anticipates his first oval race in July’s Hy-Vee IndyCar Race Weekend at Iowa Speedway, but he also understands why he isn’t quite ready to tackle the 108th Indianapolis 500 on May 26.
“It’s a superspeedway, of course,” Pourchaire said. “A few weeks ago I was only here to drive in Long Beach, then I did Barber, then I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had my first oval test, the Indianapolis superspeedway. It’s really quick. It’s the most important race of the year for every team. I think it’s important to stay calm and I will have the time in the future to do this race hopefully.”
For now, Formula One will have to wait, but Pourchaire isn’t worried. He believes if the opportunity develops in the future, he can still pursue his dream.
But for now, IndyCar is a great place to be for the young driver from France.
“I’m only 20 years old, so I feel like I have still at least two, three years maybe to get another opportunity in F1, but right now I think that’s for sure the biggest opportunity I got in my life, to be able to drive in IndyCar,” Pourchaire said. “Right now I’m not thinking too much about F1, I’m thinking a lot about IndyCar because it’s an amazing opportunity, and driving for Arrow McLaren.
“I’m focused on my main priority to hopefully win here one day.”
Pourchaire made his IndyCar debut in the April 21 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. Just three weeks later, he has (nearly) a full-time ride in IndyCar.
“A few months ago, I didn’t have anything before going to Japan and doing my first Super Formula race,” he said. “I didn’t have anything. I was a reserve driver in F1, which again, I say it, it’s great, but I was not doing anything, just simulator and working in the gym and looking at the other drivers racing, whether in Formula 2, IndyCar.
“Right now I’m full-time IndyCar driver for Arrow McLaren.
“It’s crazy.”