Peugeot Hypercar Programme Faces Driver Changes Ahead of 2027
Théo Pourchaire’s future in Peugeot’s Hypercar program remains uncertain as he transitions to a new role with Opel in Formula E. The 23-year-old driver, who participated in his rookie season with Peugeot’s 9X8, may be one of several departures, joining Malthe Jakobsen and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Pourchaire shared the #94 9X8 with Jakobsen and Loïc Duval this season. Reflecting on his experience, he remarked, “I think I learned a lot… Even if the results were difficult, I proved that I was able to be really quick within the team.” He expressed a desire to return to the FIA WEC with Peugeot, highlighting the importance of racing for a French manufacturer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, stating, “I cannot really miss” that opportunity.
Peugeot TotalEnergies has struggled throughout the 2026 season, but team principal Emmanuel Esnault is hopeful for a strong finish at Monza, citing the track’s characteristics as advantageous for the 9X8. “Our target is to have our best car in the top five,” Esnault stated, indicating an aim for results surpassing the team’s current best this season.
Esnault also elaborated on the decision to field Alex Quinn, who will race in the final two events following Vandoorne’s exit, rather than debuting Robert Shwartzman early. “We think that the step to make for Alex is proportionally maybe a bit higher coming from LMP2,” he explained.
As Peugeot prepares for the final races of the season, the implications of these changes signal a pivotal period for the team as they aim to regain competitiveness in the Hypercar class.
