Opel Signs Théo Pourchaire as First Regular Driver for Formula E Works Team
Opel has signed 22-year-old FIA Formula 2 champion Théo Pourchaire as its first regular driver for the Opel GSE Formula E Team.
- 22 years
- over 800 hp
- 21 races over 13 weekends
- December 18-19, 2026
What Happened
Opel has signed 22-year-old Frenchman Théo Pourchaire as its first regular driver for the Opel GSE Formula E Team and its entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The FIA Formula 2 champion will make his Formula E debut as the series enters its GEN4 era. Ahead of the season, Pourchaire will focus on development work with the Opel GSE 27FE prototype, including test-bench work, simulator sessions and test drives. He is the first of two lead drivers, with Sophia Flörsch involved as test and development driver.
over 800 hp
permanent all-wheel drive; Pourchaire says it is the most powerful acceleration he has ever experienced
“"Joining Formula E with Opel is the biggest step in my single-seater career so far."”
Opel announces its Formula E entry with a works team.
Opel's Formula E debut with the opening two races of the season in Saudi Arabia.
Home race for Opel in Berlin on the season calendar.
“"We have been watching him for a long time and are impressed by his performance, maturity and fresh approach. Théo belongs to a generation of racing drivers whose technical understanding, speed, adaptability and work ethic are perfectly suited to the new GEN4 era of electric motorsport."”
- Winner of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship
- ADAC Formula 4 champion in 2019
- Junior classification winner in French Formula 4 in 2018
- Competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship
- Development driver and member of Opel's group-wide 'Young Drivers Programme', involved in GEN4 development from the outset
The 13th Formula E season comprises 21 races over 13 weekends and events across four continents. For Opel, the highlight is the home race in Berlin on May 8 and 9, 2027. Opel Motorsport says promoting young talent has always been a cornerstone of its activities, and the Pourchaire signing reinforces that commitment.
Previously from Opel Automobile GmbH
Sophia Flörsch was already set to represent Opel in motorsport. Prior coverage reported she would guest-enter the ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup at the Saarland-Pfalz Rallye, driving an Opel Mokka GSE Rally.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Opel Automobile GmbH's official releases.
Why this matters
Formula E is entering its GEN4 era, and Opel is building its first works team from scratch. Pourchaire, a rising single-seater star, is the first of two lead drivers, giving the brand a proven winner and a development specialist who helped shape the new car. For fans, the team's debut comes in Saudi Arabia on December 18-19, with a home race in Berlin in May 2027.
Terms in This Story
- Formula E
- An FIA-sanctioned World Championship series for electric single-seater racing cars.
- GEN4
- The fourth-generation technical regulations for Formula E cars.
- Works team
- A racing team entered directly by an automobile manufacturer, as opposed to a customer or independent team.
- FIA Formula 2
- A single-seater racing championship that serves as a main feeder series to Formula 1.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.