At the young age of 21, the 2023 Formula 2 champion seems resigned to giving up his Formula 1 dreams in order to pursue another career plan, undoubtedly geared towards endurance in the future.
Despite his status as (theoretical) leader of the Sauber Academy, the candidacy of Théo Pourchaire was not really considered when designating the two starters of the Swiss team for 2025.
The takeover by Audi favored the engagement of Nico Hulkenberg, an experienced driver, and the Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, a promising young prospect.
We can imagine the Frenchman's frustration by witnessing the recent promotions in F1 of many of his opponents in F2 against whom he has never had to be ashamed of the comparison.
With a pitiful zero points in the constructors' championship standings, the Sauber/Audi platform has its work cut out for it next season, but Pourchaire will therefore not be there, even for the reserve place he has occupied in recent years with several test sessions required.
In the impasse
At the end of a chaotic 2024 season, which briefly included the Super Formula championship in Japan and then a series of IndyCar races for McLaren, the reigning Formula 2 champion found himself on foot with no real prospects.
Pourchaire recently explored the Hypercar category in endurance during the rookie tests organized in Bahrain where he discovered driving an LMH at the wheel of the Peugeot Sport team's 9X8 (photo above).
“The program was above all to discover Hypercar, Endurance, and the team, while trying to do as many laps as possible, says Theo. Unfortunately, we couldn't do much, barely 19 laps, but that's how it is.”
The WEC rookie test
“It was the end of the season, the race had taken place the day before, so it was not easy for the teams and the cars, he explains. Despite everything, I was able to have some first sensations, so it was interesting. Already, a closed car was a first for me. It's also very powerful but heavier, a compromise between GT and prototypes. They're pretty big cars.”
“We are faster than an F2 in a straight line, close to IndyCar in this area, he specifies. But in terms of technology, we are getting closer to F1, especially with the hybrid and all the possible settings in the car. It’s a perfect mix between different motorsport disciplines.”
The ultimate Le Mans dream
“Participating one day in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, racing the 500 Miles of Indianapolis, Daytona, Sebring… These events make me dream, Pourchaire reveals again. The ultimate dream is to be in the pit lane at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ready to go. I've never had this chance before, but I'm sure this dream will come true one day. That’s why I’ll give everything.”
Nothing concrete at this stage and a truncated test in the WEC, but a lot of hope for this single-seater specialist who is determined to take up the challenge of endurance, perhaps first in the LMP2 category but with the ambition to race for a major manufacturer in the future.
Related News :