Theo Pourchaire Seeks Real F1 Track Time With Mercedes
- Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire wants a test in a real Formula 1 car after serving as Mercedes' reserve driver at Sepang, according to reports.
- Pourchaire stepped into the reserve role at Sepang because regular Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti was competing in the IMSA championship.
- Pourchaire detailed an intense behind-the-scenes schedule that runs deep into the morning hours during race weekends.
Formula 2 champion Theo Pourchaire wants a test in a real Formula 1 car after serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver at Sepang, according to reports.
Pourchaire stepped into the reserve role at Sepang because regular Mercedes reserve Frederik Vesti was competing in the IMSA championship. The 2023 F2 titleholder spent his weekend assisting the Silver Arrows trackside while also pulling overnight simulator shifts for the team.
Late Night Simulator Duties at Sepang
Pourchaire detailed an intense behind-the-scenes schedule that runs deep into the morning hours during race weekends. According to his interview with L’Equipe, his simulator program begins shortly before the second practice session.
Generally arriving before FP2 starts, Pourchaire watches practice sessions alongside engineers in the simulator. He then listens to the primary race drivers debriefing about track conditions and car balance before hitting the simulator rig until 6 a.m., describing the assignment as a genuinely interesting job that makes him feel like a true contributor to the team.
It’s great to experience the race weekend with the team. I love it.
L’Equipe
The Push for Real Formula 1 Seat Time
Despite praising the simulator setup, the French driver made it clear that virtual laps no longer satisfy his competitive ambitions. He told L’Equipe that getting behind the wheel of an actual Formula 1 car remains an extremely important next step for his career development.
Pourchaire indicated that team management shares a clear understanding regarding his track aspirations. Discussions regarding an on-track test took place across the Sepang race weekend, though exact scheduling remains fluid.
It would be extremely important for me to get behind the wheel. I think the team’s objective is clear, and we discussed it quite a bit this weekend.
L’Equipe
Timeline for Potential 2027 Test Opportunities
When questioned about whether an on-track test could materialize before the conclusion of the 2026 season, Pourchaire adopted a cautious stance. He noted that concrete running is more likely to materialize next year.
Conversations between the driver and Mercedes leadership remain active regarding future track opportunities.
We’ll see. I think there’s a better chance it will happen next year, but it’s still under discussion.
L’Equipe