F2 winner Theo Pourchaire berates Sauber, claims he is ‘disappointed’ at not getting a Formula 1 seat

The French F2 world champion Theo Pourchaire is the test driver for Alfa Romeo Racing [Sauber]. This year, the French driver had an incredible season in F2, clinching victory and earning the title of world champion with an accumulation of 203 points. Despite this success, Sauber opted not to include Pourchaire in the driver’s lineup.

Theo Pourchaire is the third F2 world champion who would not be joining the grid immediately after winning the championship after Felipe Drugovich and Oscar Piastri. The French driver opened up about his feelings, stating that he felt disappointed regarding the situation. He further talked about his performance in F2 and added that the goal set by Sauber academy was to just win the F2 championship.

I’m disappointed, to be honest. Because I’m an F2 sample, I’ve had good results in the past. I did my best. The goal that Sauber Academy had shown me was to win the championship and I did it

Pourchaire said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Additionally, Pourchaire took the super formula tests as he was not included in the Formula 1 this season. He renounced his disappointment due to this and felt that he deserved the seat. However, the 20-year-old still complimented the super formula category in Japan and called it the one of the best racing tracks in the world.

I did the Super Formula tests because, unfortunately, I won't be on the Formula 1 grid next year, which is disappointing because it would be a dream to become a Formula 1 driver. As a Formula 2 champion, I think I deserved the seat, but it went like this. 

Theo Pourchaire won the championship in his third year of being in the sport

The imperative fact was that Theo Pourchaire is a F2 driver who could manage a championship in his third year of F2 unlike Oscar Piastri who won his Debut F2 season. However, Pourchaire still claimed that generally a F2 champion deserves to have a seat in F1 despite the number of years it took for the win. He traced back to Felipe Drugovich’s condition and applauded him as well.

Additionally, Pourchaire believed that his exclusion from F1 was a mix of bad luck and a systematic problem of sport. Since Sauber had locked Valtteri Bottas for a multi-year contract anyway and they decided to sign Zhou Guanyu before his victory, the Frenchman commented that this happened due to the lack of space in Formula 1 teams.

However, after winning the F2 championship Pourchaire isn’t satiated yet as his main focus is to get a seat in Formula 1. The Frenchman continues to prove to the Formula 1 paddock that he very much deserves a seat in F1. In addition to this, he also showcased optimism over securing a seat in 2024, when multiple driver’s contract end.

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