Team Peugeot TotalEnergies has confirmed that Malthe Jakobsen will leave the manufacturer following the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season finale at Monza on 6–8 November. The Danish driver will conclude a four-year association with the French outfit, having spent the previous two seasons competing in its Hypercar programme.
Jakobsen’s departure follows months of speculation linking him with McLaren’s new Hypercar operation for 2027. Although the British manufacturer has yet to confirm his signing, it has already announced four drivers for its upcoming WEC campaign.
Jakobsen concludes four-year association with Peugeot
Jakobsen first joined Peugeot’s development programme following his participation in the 2022 WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain. The manufacturer subsequently appointed him as a junior driver in 2023 before promoting him to its official test and reserve role for 2024.
His progression culminated in a full-time Hypercar seat in 2025, when he joined Loïc Duval and Stoffel Vandoorne in the No. 94 Peugeot 9X8.
The Danish driver subsequently secured his first WEC podium at Circuit of The Americas, finishing third alongside his teammates during the 2025 campaign.
However, the 2026 season has proved more challenging. Peugeot has struggled to consistently challenge the leading manufacturers, with Jakobsen’s best race result coming at Fuji, where he finished sixth alongside Duval and Théo Pourchaire.
Nevertheless, the 23-year-old delivered one of the team’s standout performances at Spa-Francorchamps, securing Peugeot’s maiden WEC pole position with a 2:00.653 in Hyperpole.
Although contact during the race prevented the No. 94 crew from converting that result into a podium finish, Jakobsen’s performance demonstrated his potential in the category.
Peugeot pays tribute to Jakobsen ahead of Monza farewell
Stellantis Motorsport Director Olivier Jansonnie acknowledged Jakobsen’s contribution to Peugeot’s programme, highlighting his development from a junior driver into a full-time Hypercar competitor.
“We are very proud of everything Malthe has achieved with us and of the progress he has made along the way,” said Jansonnie.
“It has been a privilege to see him grow as a driver and as a member of the team.
“We sincerely thank him for his commitment, his hard work and everything he has brought to us, and we wish him every success for what comes next.
“With Monza marking both the final race of the FIA WEC season and Malthe’s last event with the team, we are determined to finish this chapter together on a positive note.”
Jakobsen’s departure forms part of a wider restructuring of Peugeot’s driver line-up ahead of 2027. The manufacturer previously confirmed Stoffel Vandoorne’s exit, while Alex Quinn has joined its race programme for the final two rounds ahead of a full-time campaign next season.
Jakobsen reflects on Peugeot journey
Jakobsen also reflected on his time with the French manufacturer, which provided his first opportunity to compete in the WEC’s highest category.
“Racing in Monza this weekend with Team Peugeot TotalEnergies for the final time, is something special after four unbelievable years with this fantastic team.
“They have made me feel a part of the family from day one at the rookie test in Bahrain and have been a huge part of my growth as a person and racing driver, from junior to an official WEC driver.
“This has been an unforgettable chapter of my career, especially competing at Le Mans in the top category for the first time is a phenomenal memory.
“A big thank you to Peugeot Sport, let’s finish this weekend’s race on a high.”
The Dane will share the No. 94 Peugeot with Duval and Pourchaire at Monza, where the manufacturer will seek to conclude a difficult season with a competitive result.
The circuit also holds particular significance for Peugeot, having hosted the 9X8’s competitive debut in 2022 and its first WEC podium the following year.
McLaren links continue ahead of 2027 WEC campaign
Although Peugeot has confirmed Jakobsen’s departure, his next destination remains officially unannounced. However, the Dane has been strongly linked with McLaren, which will introduce its MCL-HY Hypercar in 2027.
The British manufacturer has already confirmed four drivers for its new programme. Former Peugeot competitor Mikkel Jensen became its first signing, followed by 2024 WEC Hypercar champion Laurens Vanthoor and former Cadillac driver Alex Lynn.
Most recently, McLaren confirmed reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, bringing its announced line-up to four drivers.
With McLaren planning to field two Hypercars, two race seats remain unconfirmed. Jakobsen’s previous experience developing and competing in the Peugeot 9X8 could therefore make him a valuable addition to the programme.
Nevertheless, McLaren has yet to formally announce the Dane, leaving his potential move unconfirmed.
For now, Jakobsen’s attention remains on the 6 Hours of Monza, where he will aim to conclude his four-year Peugeot association with a strong performance before beginning the next chapter of his racing career.
