In Conor Daly’s podcast, posted on August 8, Indycar driver Théo Pourchaire revisits his experience in Indycar. We also learn more about his future.
Despite being a reserve driver for the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, Théo Pourchaire will not participate in the Free Practice 1 at Zandvoort. It will be Robert Shwartzman, an endurance driver and member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, who will take the wheel from Valtteri Bottas. With this announcement, many questions about his future may arise. Nevertheless, he assures in Conor Daly’s podcast that he wants to drive.
Is Formula 1 inaccessible?
Théo Pourchaire insists on his position as the third driver at Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber. A bit overlooked by the team, he still works for them, particularly on the simulator in Switzerland. His work allows for setting up adjustments on the cars of the two main drivers. As the Formula 2 champion last year, he feels he is not being assessed at his fair value in the paddock: “I feel that yes, there was some interest in me, but not a lot at the same time, and it hurts,” he explains. However, he doesn’t believe his door is closed to entering the top category. Things change very quickly, and opportunities can arise swiftly. One thing is certain, Formula 1 remains his main goal: “I think I deserve my chance in F1.”
Indycar to continue his career?
This was supposed to be the initial plan as he had signed a contract with Arrow McLaren. Since the announcement of his release from the orange team, it’s back to square one for Théo Pourchaire. He has maintained an excellent relationship with them and states that he “remains available for Arrow McLaren in case they have a problem with a driver like in Toronto.” Having had a taste of the category by participating in six races this season, he confirms his interest in it: “In Europe, most people don’t realize the level there is in Indycar […] there are so many little details to consider, and it’s a very tight championship.” A very high level that greatly appeals to the young driver from Grasse, “I like when there is a challenge, both physical and mental […] Indycar is not a plan B for me.” When Conor Daly asks him about potential talks with other teams, Théo Pourchaire naturally admits to talking with several teams: “Nothing is signed and 100% certain, but there are good discussions, mainly for next season (in 2025, ed.).”
The goal for Théo Pourchaire is to find a seat for next year. Indycar seems, for the moment, to be his best option. However, he could also turn to other categories of motorsport: “The ideal plan for me would be to drive in single-seaters even if I am still looking at other categories like WEC or IMSA.”
