Theo Pourchaire, the youngest ever Formula 2 race winner, triumphing in Monaco at just 17, was once probably the most promising prospects in Formula 1. After winning the F2 title on the age of 20 but only on his third attempt, the Sauber reserve driver failed to search out his option to the head of motorsport because the Swiss team kept its line-up of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu unchanged.
This yr’s forays into Super Formula and IndyCar were temporary for the standard Frenchman but have yielded eventful seasons, and a rather frustrated but desperately optimistic Pourchaire is looking forward to further opportunities while still managing his current F1 duties, as he told Motorsport.com in an exclusive interview.
How was your yr overall?
Theo Pourchaire: “I mean, it's been an odd yr, let's say. I got used to knowing what… I mean, what I'm going to do yearly. I got used to being in a single championship, to doing quite a lot of races and winning them. But this yr it's not like that.
“It's obviously a bit of a special year. I could have expected that after the F2 title and not being able to start in this championship again. I had to find solutions, find a championship to drive in, and that wasn't easy. So yes, it's a strange year, but you know, it was also a good experience.”
Let's start with the Super Formula. How did you prefer it there? And how big was the challenge? Do we understand how big the challenge is?
TP: “It's a giant challenge because, to begin with, it's very removed from Europe. It's hard to speak in Japan since it's a really unique country. You know, not many individuals speak English there. So for me it was tough to speak with engineers, mechanics, team members and construct my strong position there.
“But I actually rejoiced. The automobile was amazing to drive. Really fast automobile, really. I mean, I've only driven in Suzuka. But Suzuka is a tremendous track, so I believe it's one of the best track in Japan and probably the greatest on the earth. So I actually enjoyed it. Unfortunately, in fact, the primary race wasn't superb. The performance wasn't perfect, but, you recognize…
“It was hard to search out a budget on my side as well. So when the chance with Arrow McLaren got here up, I couldn't… I couldn't say no. Of course I used to be very comfortable to get that probability. We all know that this sport is basically expensive and this chance was perfect for me at the moment.
Theo Pourchaire, ITOCHU ENEX TEAM IMPUL
Photo: Masahide Kamio
But do you regret not having the ability to actually use the work you probably did in Japan?
TP: “I don't have any big regrets, but obviously it's an amazing championship, Super Formula, and IndyCar as well. I really loved driving in that championship. But I'm also in a place where I don't have any big sponsors that are following me. I don't have any… I don't have any money that I can put on the table. I have to be honest. So I'm just a Formula 2 champion, you know, trying to find something to do at the moment. Just trying to find a place and just find a drive. So, like I said, at the moment I'm trying to find something.”
Any positive signals from IndyCar? How much time do you spend talking to groups, perhaps sponsors?
TP: “As I said before, I believe this championship is basically amazing. You know, the entire IndyCar community has been very nice to me, the drivers, the championship organizers, the team members from all of the teams. Seeing that you simply're a driver coming from Europe, an F2 champion, coming to IndyCar, I believe it was really positive for everybody there and likewise for me, because I actually liked the automobile, I actually liked the tracks and the fights, the whole lot was really, really good. I had a superb time there.
“I had an incredible opportunity with Arrow McLaren, but unfortunately we… I mean, I used to be expecting to drive a bit longer, but as I said, in fact I'm disillusioned that I won't have the opportunity to complete the season with them, but I thank them again for the chance. It was really crucial for me at this point to have this chance because otherwise I'm undecided if I might have been in a position to proceed.
You probably didn't know much about IndyCar before you went, but now that you simply've had the prospect to race there, do you think that it's the trail you would like to take?
TP: “It's definitely a robust option for me because I'm still the reserve driver [the Sauber] F1 team. So I might definitely wish to have a probability in F1 someday. I'm here. I've worked really hard. I've got the outcomes I needed. So now I just need the chance – that will be amazing.
“And if not, IndyCar is definitely almost as good as F1 for me. I really enjoyed it. It's a really great championship. And the fact that I can enjoy driving is really important to me. So in that respect, IndyCar is at the top. Let's see. I'm in talks with a few teams, but I'd love to get a chance there. There are a few other championships, but I really love IndyCar.”
Theo Pourchaire, Arrow McLaren Chevrolet
Photo: Michael L. Levitt / Motorsport Images
But you and F1. What must occur so that you can get a probability?
TP: “That's a good question. I ask myself the same, every day. I don't know. I gave it my all on the track. Of course, some people say that winning the championship in your third year in F2 doesn't look great, but I won it when I was 20. I'm the youngest race winner in F2, in F3 – so I don't have to prove anything on the track. I just need the opportunity. That's all. I don't know.”
Do you are feeling like people forget that? That you're 20.
TP: “I think so. I'm 21 now, but I'm still young, you know! Young enough to be there, to be in the game, so… but I think people in this sport, especially in this world, forget really quickly what you can do and what I've been doing in the last few years. And it wasn't that long ago, you know, it was a few months, a few years, maybe two to three years ago, when I started in F3. So it's a bit sad, but I'm still here and I deserve my chance.”
And you furthermore may see guys who come from F2 but didn't have the championship of their pocket…
TP: “From the surface, obviously, should you're in my shoes, it looks unfair, I believe it's unfair to [Felipe] Drugovich, for instance, won the title and… you recognize, it's like that. It's the world of F1. I'm comfortable to be back within the paddock. And as I said, I actually hope that someday I'll get my probability. I'm ready to offer it my all. I'm just obsessed with this sport. Ready to offer it my all. I'm not asking for anything. I just want… I just ask for a seat and a steering wheel and, yes, my probability within the automobile.
Théo Pourchaire and Arrow McLaren
Photo: Arrow McLaren SP
The entire Audi project – how committed are you to being a part of the longer term of this organization?
TP: “It definitely looks very promising for the team. I believe it's an important project and a very big project. So I hope it is going to help the team to grow. Of course, it's a little bit of a difficult period, but I'm sure the team will improve – everyone seems to be working hard and with Audi's help it is going to be higher. I'm almost certain of that.
“There will also be a change in regulations soon, so it will be better. And I'm sure it will be a dream come true for me, to be part of such a big project, you know, such a legendary brand like Audi, and I'm ready to drive for such a team. You know, I'm young, but I'm ready for it. I think they will definitely [know] I'm there. If they want me, I'm here. Ready.”
How did you manage to remain so positive during this difficult yr?
TP: “It's difficult, you know. I'm not always, for sure, so positive, I'm not always smiling. But I'm happy that I managed to win a lot of races in the last months, years, I won the F2 championship. And I had the opportunity to drive in Super Formula, to drive in IndyCar. I tested in F1. I drove in F2, of course, for three years. I think I'm one of the few drivers who had the opportunity to drive all the best cars in the world. So for that I'm grateful. And you know, trying to stay positive, I'm sure the best is yet to come.”
WEC, Formula E?
TP: “Why not? Like I said, I'm in a situation now where I'm trying to search out something to do, and the World Endurance Championship is looking really good. I watch almost every race. Le Mans is a race I'd wish to do someday. It's a dream to win it, obviously, like several other driver, just like the Indianapolis 500, just like the Monaco Grand Prix.
“So I’m looking, trying to find options there as well, and also in Formula E. I mean, it’s a competitive championship, really a different type of motorsport, because it’s electric, because it’s a completely different way of driving. I already had a test in Formula E, in 2022, when I was developing the next generation. And it’s a difficult, difficult category. So if I go there, there’s a lot of work to do and a different way of driving and a different way of working. So yeah, let’s see. But as you said, this championship is the goal, for sure.”
