Théo Pourchaire: ” being ignored by F1 is really painful”

The doors are closing for Théo Pourchaire. Despite being crowned Formula 2 champion last year with ART GP and a member of the Sauber academy, the Frenchman does not seem to really fit into Hinwil’s team plans, which prefer to bet on more experienced drivers. A difficult situation for the former Formula 2 driver, who believes he has done everything to secure a place in Formula 1.

Pourchaire recently expressed his frustration in an interview with *Racefans*. Despite his efforts and results in Formula 2, he feels a bit sidelined by his own team and the world of F1. « It’s hard because I won F2, which is the last step before F1. Everyone is watching the F2 drivers in the F1 paddock, who will be driving in F1 for the years to come. But I felt like I was taken into account, but not as much as that, and it really hurts”, he revealed.

An unfavorable context

Despite the praises from Sauber team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the future Audi team has opted for stability by keeping Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu in their roles as main drivers this season, deeming them more capable of leading the team upwards. This decision leaves little room for Pourchaire, especially as he has moved away from the F1 environment this year by trying out several different single-seater categories to gain as much experience as possible.

After a first experience in Super Formula at the beginning of the year, which was not conclusive since he only completed one weekend, finishing in a painful 19th position at the Suzuka circuit, the French driver decided to seize the opportunity offered to him by joining the American IndyCar championship, in which he took part in six races on behalf of McLaren.

Despite encouraging results, his entry into Formula 1 for 2025 remains uncertain, especially as the available seats are becoming increasingly limited. Currently, only Mercedes, Alpine, Racing Bulls, and Sauber have not confirmed their two drivers for next year. Nevertheless, Pourchaire still hopes to secure a seat in F1. He remains optimistic, while acknowledging that the situation is complex.

« I think the door is not closed yet, but you know, it’s Formula 1, we never know what can happen in the world of Formula 1. We see crazy things happening. So, I still believe that I probably deserve a chance, at least a fair chance to show myself », revealed Théo Pourchaire. This hope was revived by McLaren, which offered him an opportunity to race in IndyCar at Long Beach, replacing the injured David Malukas. The former ART driver hopes that an F1 team will give him a similar chance, to prove that he deserves his place among the elite.

If his Formula 1 dream doesn’t come true, Pourchaire seriously considers a return to IndyCar. He does not see this option as a plan B, but rather as a real opportunity to continue his career in another competitive discipline. “I have had discussions with some teams, mainly for next season. If I don’t have an opportunity in Formula 1, IndyCar is really something I want to do,” he confessed.

Although Théo Pourchaire’s future in Formula 1 is still uncertain, the young Frenchman has no shortage of options to continue his single-seater career. His talent is recognized, and whether it’s in F1 or IndyCar, he remains determined to fight for his future. Sauber could still decide to trust him, but if that doesn’t materialize, the Frenchman could well shine on the other side of the Atlantic.