McLaren have made a bold move in the driver market

Theo Pourchaire, the current Formula Two champion, is allegedly in negotiations with McLaren for a long-term contract that would let him to take David Malukas' spot in the IndyCar lineup immediately. Sauber will still have the option to acquire the Frenchman, so they are free to take him for their Formula One team if they so want. Pourchaire, who debuted on the Formula Two grid at the young age of 17, was long regarded as the bright spot of the Sauber driver program. Graduating onto the Formula One grid appeared to be a matter of when rather than if.

The Frenchman lined himself up for an assault on the title after a solid rookie campaign and a second season in which an inspired Felipe Drugovich surpassed him. He duly secured the title in 2023 after a difficult struggle with young driver Frederik Vesti, who Mercedes supported.