From chasing F1 to a race seat: The dramatic career switch for an F2 champion

Theo Pourchaire has revealed that he remains without a racing programme for 2025, with his focus having switched dramatically from Formula 1. 

For several years, Pourchaire was viewed as being destined for a seat in F1. Until the end of last year, he was part of Sauber's Academy, although the Hinwil-based outfit never promoted him. 

The Frenchman won the Formula 2 drivers' title in 2023 but is now in a position where a full-time seat has not been held since his junior career concluded. 

In 2024, Pourchaire made one appearance in Super Formula and competed in six IndyCar races. 

Unfortunately, a full-time seat in either category was not achieved, with him currently holding a position as reserve and test driver for Peugeot's WEC Hypercar programme.

One category he is open to trying to break into is Formula E, with the driver who is still only 21 years old having featured for Maserati last week in a special rookie practice session in Jeddah.

In an open and honest conversation, Pourchaire conceded that reaching F1 is now extremely difficult, having gone from doing everything to race in the pinnacle of motorsport to now simply chasing a race programme. 

"To be fully honest, it's really tough to go there [F1]," Pourchaire told RacingNews365 in an exclusive interview. "It depends on a lot of things. It's not only performance. 

"So on my side, I did my best to try to go to F1. Now my main target is to find a racing programme. I've been racing a little bit last year, but most of the time I was out of a racing car, doing nothing. 

"Right now I'm just getting happier trying [different] race cars, driving here [Formula E rookie test] Yeah, hopefully, F1, I'm only 21 years old, you never know what can happen in motorsport. 

"We saw some drivers, especially Nyck [de Vries] winning Formula E then going to F1 afterwards. Formula E is a great championship, and I think the F1 teams knows that a lot of good drivers are racing here."

F2 title timing

In many ways, Pourchaire won the F2 title at the wrong time. From the end of the 2023 F1 season to the start of 2024 not one driver change took place – excluding Daniel Ricciardo. 

However, going into the 2025 campaign there are six full-time rookies, four of which competed in F2 last season. 

Across the last 11 years, Pourchaire and Aston Martin reserve Felipe Drugovich are the only two F2 champions to not progress to F1. 

Pourchaire recognises himself that the timing of his F2 title was "not ideal"; however, also knows that if a team in F1 wanted him then he would not currently be in a position where no race seat in general is held. 

When asked if the year he won the F2 title was not ideal, Pourchaire answered: "Sure, I think the timing was not ideal. When you look at it, it's a bit tough. 

"But, I mean, if a team wanted me, for sure they would have taken me, but it's like that, and right now, I'm just looking forward trying to show myself and give my absolute best every time I'm on track. 

"I'm sure I will have some opportunities in the future."