Theo Pourchaire believes he is capable of competing in F1 after a bitter-sweet farewell campaign in Formula 2.
Formula 1’s driver market was unusually quiet this year, in part thanks to the lack of opportunities given to Formula 2 drivers. Theo Pourchaire and Frederik Vesti, who battled for the Championship, were largely absent from links to F1.
Aside from occasional speculation, there were few indications that Pourchaire was under consideration. This was despite ultimately claiming the title – and his status as a Sauber academy driver.
The Swiss team opted to retain Zhou Guanyu for another season, whose contract will expire at the end of 2024 – and so will that of Valtteri Bottas.
Pourchaire will spend next year competing in Japanese SuperFormula, which provides a potential opportunity. Liam Lawson’s results in the category were a contributing factor to his eventual debut with AlphaTauri this year.
Although it remains unclear if the Frenchman’s F1 hopes are over, he is fully confident in his abilities.
In a discussion with the Pitstop podcast, the 20-year-old was asked if he could match Oscar Piastri in the same machinery:
“He’s an exceptional racing driver. It’s tough to say, but I believe I am on his level.
“So if I have my chance to drive F1 and show my potential – I am a vice F3 Champion, only three points behind him.
“Youngest race winner, same in F2 – now Champion in F2. I just need an opportunity to get into Formula 1.”
Considering Piastri’s highly impressive debut season, it is natural that Pourchire sees himself as F1-calibre. After all, he spent several years battling the Australian driver in Formula 3 and Formula 2.
Timing is everything in Formula 1, and things didn’t quite fall into place for the F2 Champion this season. Despite claiming the crown in Abu Dhabi, Sauber’s driver lineup remains unchanged.
As Audi’s influence over the team grows, it remains unclear what they envision for their driver pairing. What is perfectly understandable, however, is the potential for unpredictability in the 2024 driver market.
Whilst Oscar Piastri enjoys a multi-year contract with McLaren, the likes of Pourchaire must battle to prove themselves worthy of an F1 contract.
