Simon Pagenaud, former IndyCar champion and 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner, has broadened his role in the motorsport world by mentoring emerging talent Theo Pourchaire following his successful advisory work with Scott McLaughlin. After guiding McLaughlin at the 108th Indy 500, Pagenaud has now joined the management team supporting Pourchaire as the young driver seeks to rebuild his career in America.
Theo Pourchaire entered IndyCar in 2024 when he took over the No. 6 Arrow McLaren car from the injured David Malukas. Despite this opportunity, his time with the team was unexpectedly cut short after just five races, with Nolan Siegel replacing him for a full-time drive. Pourchaire, a former Formula 2 champion and F1 reserve driver for Alfa Romeo/Sauber from 2021 to 2023, left Formula 1 without moving up to a main seat and has since shifted focus to racing in the European Le Mans Series with Algarve Pro Racing this year.
Looking toward better prospects across the Atlantic, Pourchaire’s partnership with Pagenaud presents a valuable connection to IndyCar leadership and expertise. Pagenaud expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing a personal connection with the young Frenchman and their shared values.
“I was surprised to be contacted by Théo Pourchaire, who wanted us to work together. It is first and foremost, a human issue. Theo shares the same values as Scott (McLaughlin) and especially mine. I quickly understood that he was someone I sincerely appreciated, with whom I could create a beautiful relationship.” —Simon Pagenaud, IndyCar Champion
“When you look at his career, he has won almost everything, in every category. He’s only 21 years old, and he has a bright future ahead of him,” Pagenaud said (via French publication Autohebdo). —Simon Pagenaud
The recent turn in Pourchaire’s career adds a new chapter to his journey, as he aims to regain a foothold in IndyCar while benefiting from mentorship by a driver he admired growing up. Pourchaire plans to attend the 109th Indianapolis 500 to hold meetings and explore further IndyCar opportunities under Pagenaud’s guidance.
Theo Pourchaire Sets Ambitious Goals in New Partnership with Simon Pagenaud
Pourchaire made his IndyCar debut at the prestigious Long Beach Grand Prix in 2024, shortly after which Pagenaud reached out with words of encouragement. This message was an early sign of the support that would come to define their collaboration.
“He sent me a message saying, ‘Hello, Theo. Good luck for your first IndyCar race. I will be supporting you. Let’s go, France,'” Pourchaire said via NBC.
The young driver views his relationship with Pagenaud as a comprehensive development effort. Beyond improving racecraft, he expects mentorship in physical and mental preparation for both endurance and single-seater racing. Pourchaire continues to work closely with his longtime manager Julien Abelli, underscoring the importance of a strong support team.
“Simon will help me to progress, not only as a driver, but also on a personal level – in my physical and mental preparation, both for endurance racing and for single-seaters. I also continue to work with Julien Abelli, my manager since 2016. It’s a real team effort. Simon will help me develop my career in the United States,” he said via Autohebdo.
Simon Pagenaud’s advisory role with Scott McLaughlin has already proven impactful; McLaughlin secured pole position at the 2024 Indy 500 with a record-setting four-lap average speed of 234.220 mph. This achievement highlights Pagenaud’s capability to elevate drivers’ performance on one of motorsport’s biggest stages.
By extending his mentorship to Theo Pourchaire, Simon Pagenaud continues to influence IndyCar’s future while helping a promising talent navigate the challenges of professional racing in America. The collaboration illustrates Pagenaud’s dedication to fostering new stars with both driving skill and strong personal foundations, signaling exciting developments for Pourchaire’s career in the seasons ahead.
