Sauber and Intermarché, how do they support Pourchaire in his quest for F1?
Théo Pourchaire has been shining in the promotion category for a few seasons. The driver born in 2003 in Grasse is notably supported by Sauber and Intermarché. Two well-known names but not for the same reasons.
Access to Formula 1 is the dream of all drivers. But beyond performance, a key factor is the funding of the seasons in the development categories such as Formula 3 and then Formula 2.
Theo Pourchaire did well in Formula 3. So much so that he was propelled into F2 by Sauber at the end of last season, without even waiting for 2021. The confidence in the French driver is given certainly thanks to his results, but also for the investment he represents for a training center like Sauber.
Currently in F2 with ART Grand Prix, the French driver is strongly linked to Frédéric Vasseur, who was in charge a few years ago. Today, he manages Alfa Romeo in F1 and supports Théo Pourchaire in his F2 team. All this without a direct link to Ferrari. So thinking that Théo Pourchaire could quickly arrive in F1 is not a big leap.
They help me a lot financially and it’s very very important. Then I do a lot of Formula 1 simulator with them. They are now independent of Ferrari on the simulator. It’s in Hinwill, Switzerland. I help them a lot and it helps me by optimizing the car setup. It’s interesting and it helps Sauber so it’s great.
It’s a nice Formula 1 team. Small, but they are passionate and there’s a lot of history.
Alfa Romeo in F1 is Sauber Motorsport. Sauber also helps ART Grand Prix in F2, so if there is a possibility of going to F1, of course it will be with Alfa Romeo. In any case, it is up to them to decide.
Regarding Intermarché, it was more by chance that the logo of the French supermarket chain was placed on the racing car and the driver’s suit from Grasse.
In fact, it is my father who runs an Intermarché in the south of France. It’s not the Intermarché group directly supporting me, but there are several Intermarchés participating in my financing, including my father’s. It’s very difficult to find sponsors.
A Formula 2 season is estimated to cost over 1.5 million Euros in financing. This money comes from sponsors but also from young driver development programs like Sauber’s.
