IndyCar News: Theo Pourchaire Issues Statement After 'Inaccurate' Portrayal Of McLaren Exit Comments

Theo Pourchaire issues a statement addressing the inaccurate portrayal of his comments in an interview after his unexpected termination from Arrow McLaren IndyCar team.

Apr 20, 2024; Long Beach, California, USA; Arrow McLaren driver Theo Pourchaire (6) of France during qualifying at Long Beach Street Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Former Arrow McLaren IndyCar driver Theo Pourchaire has taken to social media to address what he called a "grossly inaccurate" portrayal of his comments in a recent AUTOhebdo interview. This clarification followed his unexpected termination prior to the Laguna Seca race, sparking widespread speculation and controversy.

In the disputed AUTOhebdo piece, it was implied that Pourchaire felt "disgusted" by McLaren's actions, accusing them of breaching their contract. Refuting these claims, Pourchaire expressed his disappointment over the misrepresentation of his interview. He posted a statement to social media:

“I’ve read the article published on AUTOhebdo this week, and I’m disappointed in how grossly inaccurate my words and comments portrayed my interview.

“While I was surprised by Arrow McLaren’s decision to take me out of the car ahead of Laguna Seca, we ended on amicable terms.

“Sure, it’s disappointing not to be racing with the team, but they’ve held up and respected all areas of the contract, and Zak [Brown], Gavin [Ward] and Tony [Kanaan], along with the rest of the team, have been fully supportive of me and my wish to get back into an INDYCAR or other racing.

“There’s no question on Arrow McLaren’s stability in its partnerships and their funding, so for AUTOhebdo to include that in my interview, it’s absolutely false.

“I’m appreciative of the time I had with the team, there are no hard feelings, and I hope this helps correct the perception there’s been about the team and myself.”

Throughout his career with Arrow McLaren, Pourchaire showed promising potential. After stepping in for the injured David Malukas at the Long Beach Grand Prix, he competed in several prestigious races, marking his best finish as 10th at the Detroit Grand Prix. However, his tenure was not without challenges, notably an on-track incident with Agustin Canapino that sparked negative reactions.

In his absence, rookie Nolan Siegel has stepped into the vacant seat left by Pourchaire, marking a new chapter for Arrow McLaren as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Statement : pic.twitter.com/gpJtajMfgO

— Théo Pourchaire (@TPourchaire) July 18, 2024