Former Formula 1 driver Stoffel Vandoorne is set to depart from Peugeot’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) squad ahead of the Bahrain finale in November 2025. This change is part of Peugeot’s ongoing strategy to reshape its Hypercar driver lineup as the 2024 season progresses.
Theo Pourchaire to Take Up Full-Time Race Seat in 2025
Peugeot has announced that 2023 Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire will replace Vandoorne after the Fuji round this month. Having contributed as a test and development driver in 2024, Pourchaire is now scheduled to step into a full-time race role for the upcoming season, marking a significant shift in the team’s roster.
Development and Strategic Driver Decisions for Future Competitions
Peugeot Sport‘s technical director Olivier Jansonnie suggested during the WEC round in Austin that the adjustments to the driving line-up are designed to “build for the future” with one of the two 9X8 Hypercars planned for the 2024 Le Mans and Bahrain events. Although Nick Cassidy is confirmed to join Peugeot’s Hypercar roster for 2026, he will not be competing in the current season.
Vandoorne’s Contract and Future Prospects Beyond Peugeot
Vandoorne, who initially joined Peugeot in 2023 as a test driver before advancing to a full race seat, has decided against renewing his contract after Fuji. Reports indicate he may move to the WEC newcomer Genesis team next year, although the South Korean manufacturer remains reserved about additional driver announcements beyond Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani.
Genesis Magma Racing Approaching Final Driver Line-Up
At the Austin round, Genesis Magma Racing team principal Cyril Abiteboul revealed that their driver roster is approximately “80% complete.” Their current lineup includes Lotterer and Derani, who have been involved in the early testing of the GMR-001 Hypercar since the program’s launch last year.
Appreciation for Vandoorne and Confidence in Pourchaire’s Integration
Olivier Jansonnie expressed gratitude to Vandoorne, highlighting his
professionalism, commitment, and all the experience he has shared with us over these two years
. Regarding Pourchaire’s upcoming debut, Jansonnie noted it
represents a logical step in his integration into the Hypercar programme
, emphasizing his readiness for top-tier endurance racing.
Jansonnie elaborated,
After a strong season in European Le Mans Series [driving an LMP2 ORECA-Gibson 07 for Algarve Pro] and steady progress, Theo has shown that he has the qualities required to perform at the highest level of endurance racing,
and praised,
He quickly adapted to the discipline, and his commitment since the start of the project has been remarkable. Making his WEC debut in Bahrain naturally fits with his journey alongside the team.
Additional Driver Departures and Future Changes within Peugeot’s Program
Alongside Vandoorne, Danish drivers Jakobsen and Mikkel Jensen may also leave Peugeot at the end of the current season. Both are reportedly linked to a potential move to McLaren’s 2027 Hypercar entry with the British United Autosports squad, hinting at further transformation within Peugeot’s driver lineup.
