Theo Pourchaire is one of many drivers who could race for Sauber next season. Mattia Binotto is considering the team’s options for 2025, with Pourchaire amongst other contenders like Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto for an F1 contract.
F1 News: Theo Pourchaire believes he deserves a place on the grid
Although winning Formula 2 can be a stepping stone into Formula 1, this is not always the case. Theo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich, the last two Champions of the junior series, have not found a place on the grid.
A variety of factors influence whether teams are willing to sign a rookie. Often, the most important factor is which academy a driver is signed under. Ferrari and Mercedes, for example, offer more opportunities to their juniors than Sauber.
Because of this and many other variables, Pourchaire continues to watch Formula 1 from the sidelines.
Still, the 21-year-old believes he is deserving of a place on the grid. For the Frenchman, the question is not if he is capable – but whether he is given a chance:
“Sure, some people say I won the championship in my third year of F2, and it doesn’t sound great,” he told motorsport.com.
“But I won it when I was 20 – I’m the youngest race winner in F2 and F3.
“So I have nothing to prove. I just need an opportunity, that’s all… I really hope to get my chance one day.
“I’m ready to give everything. I’m passionate about this sport… I just ask for a seat, a steering wheel and my chance in a car.”
Sauber’s next steps unknown
At this stage, Sauber are still deciding what direction they want to pursue with their driver line-up.
The team’s 2025 shortlist contains a good mix of youth and experience. In theory, this means Pourchaire is still in contention – especially if the Swiss squad want a younger driver alongside Nico Hulkenberg.
However, unlike Gabriel Bortoleto or Valtteri Bottas, the 21-year-ols is currently inactive. Recency bias certainly plays a factor in Formula 1, even at the highest levels of decision-making.
This means the window of opportunity for someone like Pourchaire to join F1 is very small. Consistent with this theme, rising talent Gabriel Bortoleto is in a very strong position to convince Mattia Binotto and Jonathan Wheatley he deserves a contract.
Meanwhile, Valtteri Bottas could be the team’s preferred choice if they want continuity going into next season.
Both these drivers, albeit to varying degrees, have the ability to increase or worsen their chances with on-track performances. Pourchaire does not have this luxury, with his chances in Formula 1 largely out of his hands.
