F1 – An undeserved setback for Théo Pourchaire?

Théo Pourchaire has been followed for several years by the Sauber structure, whose license is used by Alfa Romeo until the end of this season. In 2024, the Hinwil-based team will revive the name of its founder, Peter Sauber, before issuing its license to Audi from the 2026 financial year.

With this support, Théo Pourchaire first had the opportunity to participate in several test sessions for young drivers in Formula 1. By then being promoted to the rank of third driver, the young 20-year-old Frenchman was able to drive as part of a Grand Prix weekend, during the first free practice session of the United States GP in Austin in 2022.

Close to the Formula 2 championship title

At the same time, Théo Pourchaire has been involved in Formula 2, the antechamber of F1, for three seasons now. Dominated last year by the Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, this time he is close to conquering the crown, occupying the leading position in the general classification with a 25-point margin over his runner-up, the Dane Frederik Vesti, before the final, contested round. in Abu Dhabi at the end of November.

However, a possible title will not allow him to benefit from a starting place at Sauber in 2024, since on the sidelines of the Singapore Grand Prix, the team announced the contract extension of the Chinese Zhou Guanyu , who thus retains his starting seat alongside Finnish Valtteri Bottas. However, if he still has to be patient, Théo Pourchaire retains the confidence of Sauber by being kept in his position as reserve driver, which encourages him to see the glass half full.

Théo Pourchaire’s statement:

“Over the years, the team has become family to me. Therefore, I am really happy and grateful to continue my adventure with Alfa Romeo and the Sauber Academy. The support I have received from every member of the team has been fantastic and I am proud to be able to contribute to the development of the entire team. I have a lot to bring to this exceptional collective and I look forward to seeing what happens in the future. Of course, a great way to say thank you would be to finish the job in F2 in Abu Dhabi, so I will give everything to bring the title home for the team.”

Strength in consistency.

An unchanged line-up for 2024 will see the fast and exciting duo of @ValtteriBottas & @ZhouGuanyu24 lead our charge on track for a third consecutive #F1 season, with @TPourchaire continuing his development in the Sauber Academy.

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— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeostake) September 14, 2023

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