Young F1 star set to make McLaren debut in injury replacement

A young Formula 1 hopeful is set to make his debut with McLaren in a different racing series.

Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire took part in two F1 practice sessions last season with the Alfa Romeo team - now known as Stake F1, and has continued on as reserve driver with the team in 2024.

READ MORE: Hamilton makes STUNNING claim on F1 future amid Ferrari contract uncertainty

The Frenchman stormed to the F2 title in 2023, leaving many to suggest that it would only be a matter of time before Pourchaire would be given a full-time F1 seat.

That may materialise amongst the chaos of the driver market heading into 2025 but, for now, Pourchaire has been taking part in the Super Formula series, a series that buoyed Liam Lawson into his starring role in F1 last season.

READ MORE: Hamilton to open Wolff talks at Mercedes amid Ferrari F1 move uncertainty

Pourchaire to make IndyCar debut

Now, alongside those Super Formula and Stake F1 reserve duties, 20-year-old Pourchaire has also been called up to race in an entirely different motorsport series.

The Frenchman will make his IndyCar debut this weekend, it has been announced, at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

Pourchaire will race for McLaren's IndyCar team, Arrow McLaren, in place of David Malukas.

Malukas is currently recovering having undergone surgery on his left wrist following a mountain bike accident ahead of the season.

British racing driver Callum Ilott has been standing in for Malukas in recent races, but he will return to his role in the World Endurance Championship this weekend, prompting the opportunity for Pourchaire.

BREAKING NEWS: @TPourchaire will pilot the No. 6 for Arrow McLaren this weekend on the Streets of Long Beach.

The 2023 @Formula2 champion is filling in for David Malukas as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.#INDYCAR // @ArrowMcLaren pic.twitter.com/biu5t8AK6d

— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) April 18, 2024

READ MORE: Steiner 'looking to BUY F1 team' in sensational bid

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

McLaren left with no choice but to sign Max Verstappen

• 29 minutes ago

McLaren F1 boss admits fears over Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri relationship after title fight

• 3 hours ago

F1 2026 WAGs: Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian are for real, George Russell is ENGAGED

• Today 17:15

Lando Norris teases fans as F1 champion leaves door open to stunning switch

• Today 10:56

Lewis Hamilton checks in ahead of F1 title fight and shares important message

• Today 09:15

F1 champion Lando Norris reveals his two favourite racing series: 'I want do to this most'

• Yesterday 22:30