Vandoorne ultimately remains with Peugeot, while Vergne will focus on development.

It's a complex thing to grasp at first glance; hence this short, humorous video published by Peugeot on social media to grasp the nuance. Stoffel Vandoorne's departure was announced several weeks ago by the French manufacturer and will be effective from the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the final round of the 2025 season (November 8), where his replacement, Theo Pourchairewill make his debut.

Initially linked to Genesis, the Belgian was ultimately not selected, due to his desire to pursue a dual program. WEC-Formula E somewhat stuck with the Korean manufacturer. Lacking other opportunities, the former driver McLaren F1 seemed destined to spend the 2026 season on foot, with only a reserve role at Jaguar in Formula E and a development driver role at Aston Martin in F1.

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Finally, fortune smiled upon him: Stoffel Vandoorne will indeed be on the WEC grid next season with… Peugeot. The Belgian benefits from the withdrawal of Jean-Éric Vergne, who wishes to fully concentrate on the Citroën Formula E project and will continue to serve as a development driver for the program. Endurance.

Thus, Vandoorne could be at the wheel of the No. 93, which Dane Mikkel Jensen will leave after competing in his 26th and final race in Bahrain this weekend. “Mikkel was with us for the debut of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies in the WEC in 2022.”"It's fantastic," praises Jean-Marc Finot, vice-president of Stellantis Motorsport. He contributed to building the project, was always there during the most difficult times, and, along with his teammates, secured three world championship podium finishes for us. I want to thank him for his solid performances and professionalism throughout these four years.

This will also be Jean-Éric Vergne's last race at the wheel of the 9X8, which he shares with Jensen and Paul di Resta. In the #94, Théo Pourchaire will make his debut alongside Malthe Jakobsen and Loïc duval, a prelude to his becoming a full-time driver in 2026. The Frenchman will also be on track on Sunday during the Rookie Test, alongside Nick Cassidy — also a future full-time driver —, Alex Quinn and Mathias Beche.