Very striking decision by McLaren: Pourchaire back in the car after all
F1 News
- Estéban den Toom
Theo Pourchaire will make a very unexpected comeback at McLaren's IndyCar team this weekend: Arrow McLaren. A very striking choice, as the Frenchman was previously left with immediate effect from Arrow McLaren. Nolan Siegel was the replacement for Pourchaire, but the driver, on loan from Sauber, may yet return this weekend.
This weekend IndyCar are in Ontario, with the race being held in Toronto. Alexander Rossi broke his right thumb in Canada, and so a replacement had to be called for the injured driver. The result? Pourchaire will drive Rossi's car this weekend, McLaren has since announced.
McLaren published a statement
"Following an on-track incident where Alexander Rossi sustained a broken right thumb, Arrow Mclaren Indycar team announces Théo Pourchaire to race the no. 7 Ryde Arrow McLaren Chevrolet for the remainder of the Ontario Honda dealers Indy Toronto race weekend," the team wrote in a statement.
Pourchaire wasn't exactly around the Toronto circuit either, McLaren also made clear. "Théo will arrive at the track ahead of the qualifying session Saturday afternoon, missing practice 2 as he travels to toronto from Europe."
A very striking decision, as Pourchaire had a contract with McLaren, but it was terminated with immediate effect. The driver still stated in an interview to a French medium that he had a multi-year commitment. There was quite a lot of talk about it, as the team told him it was not down to performance, but long-term.