Theo Pourchaire hopes for a Formula E chance with Stellantis - "If the door opens, I will take advantage of it"

Theo Pourchaire could potentially drive in Formula E in the next few years - at least that is now his declared goal. After the rookie session in Jeddah, he spoke to The Race about his experiences with Maserati MSG Racing and his new enthusiasm for Formula E.

The 2023 Formula 2 champion is currently without a permanent seat for a racing series. His greatest hope was to get a seat in Formula 1 with Sauber, in whose junior programmes he drove for several years. His wish remains unfulfilled, as the team opted for reigning F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto for 2025. The Frenchman also tried his hand in the IndyCar series last year. However, McLaren kicked him out of the team again after five starts.

Pourchaire now wants to focus on Formula E in order to secure a cockpit there in the coming seasons. His chances of doing so are not too bad, as some older drivers such as Sebastien Buemi, Sam Bird and Lucas di Grassi are likely to end their careers in Formula E at some point. "My goal is a full-time cockpit", says Pourchaire.

"I just always tell myself that I want to be there (in Formula E), I want to race. I want to fight with other competitive drivers on the track and enjoy it. I'm still a racing driver. I try to have a smile on my face all the time, but when you're just a reserve driver for so long and driving in the simulator, it's obviously not as good as being on the track", he explains.

First Formula E experience as early as 2022

Back in 2022, the now 21-year-old tested the then Gen3 test car for Spark Racing Technologies. He was also on Nissan's shortlist of drivers for the 2022/23 season before they announced Norman Nato and Sacha Fenestraz as regular drivers.

In Jeddah, Pourchaire was behind the wheel for Maserati MSG Racing and took part in rookie training. He describes his experience as follows: "That was my first time - actually almost my first time in a Formula E car. Everyone listened to me - just everyone. We tried out some target laps and start procedures that are important for the race. It was very good! I really enjoyed the session - driving at the limit and finding it, working with the engineers... Even if it's just a rookie session, you always have to do your best."

It seems that Pourchaire, who is also a reserve driver for Peugeot in the WEC, really wants to do everything he can to drive in Formula E in the future: "Let's see what the future holds. Let's say I get on well with Stellantis. This is a great opportunity. Formula E is a world championship organised by the FIA with many manufacturers. If this door can open in the future, I will certainly take advantage of this opportunity."

Maybe the first race will come sooner than expected. As was the case last year, the Berlin E-Prix weekend clashes with the WEC. As some drivers are running a double programme, the Formula E teams will once again be faced with the dilemma of who to put in the car. This will also affect the teams with the Stellantis powertrain. For Pourchaire, this could be the big opportunity.