Theo Bourchier will complete the current IndyCar season with McLaren Arrow, excluding the Indianapolis 500.
The 20-year-old made his debut in the No. 6 car at the Long Beach Grand Prix in April, and followed it up with his second start at Barber, a week later.
This was in place of the injured David Malukas, who had been sidelined since before the start of the season. After that round at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, McLaren took advantage of a break clause in Malukas' contract to release him.
Pourchaire impressed on his debut, finishing 11th after qualifying 22nd. In the subsequent round, he finished ahead of regular McLaren drivers Pato O'Ward and Alexander Rossi.
Now that IndyCar has entered the infamous “month of May,” the next two rounds will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, Bourchier will not compete in the second event, the Indy 500 – but will race on oval tracks later in the season.
McLaren has not yet confirmed who will take the wheel of the No. 6 car for the crown jewel of the series.
IndyCar instead of Super Formula
Bourchier, who won the 2023 Formula 2 drivers' title, was competing in the 2024 Super Formula season, but will leave the series after just the first round to focus on IndyCar for the rest of the year.
Speaking about taking over the #6 McLaren Arrow, the French driver said: “The NTT INDYCAR SERIES has some of the best racing in motorsport, and now I can say that from experience. 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 every weekend. I have enjoyed my first two races with the team, and I know we have a lot of potential ahead of us. Of course, I would like to thank Zach [Brown]Gavin [Ward] And Tony [Kanaan]as well as the Sauber Formula 1 Team, to make all this possible.
Meanwhile, his new team manager, Javind Ward, added: “We are excited to continue working with Theo. He has proven to be a quick learner, and we believe his skills and learning mindset will support his development as he feels more comfortable racing in the NTT INDYCAR Series. Now, it's about continuing to grow and turning those lessons into results alongside the No. 6 team.”
