F2 champion feels entitled to spot in F1: 'But that's life'

General

Theo Pourchaire thinks he should have had an F1 seat
12 December 2023 at 10:00
  • Toby McLuskie

Theo Pourchaire, the champion of F2, is disappointed to not drive in F1 next year. Instead of Formula 1, the 20-year-old Frenchman will drive in the Super Formula series in Japan. During the press conference at the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony, the driver says what he thinks about this.

At the press conference, Pourchaire is tired, less than a day earlier he was in Japan testing for Super Formula. ''I think 18 hours ago. I was still in Japan. So the jet lag is a bit difficult to manage right now. I'm a bit tired," the driver explained in Baku. He continued: ''I was there for the Super Formula testing because next year unfortunately, I will not be on the Formula 1 grid, which, of course, I'm a bit disappointed because it's a dream to be a Formula 1 driver. As a F2 champion, for me, I think I was deserving a position there. But it's like this. It's life.''

Pourchaire in Japan

OK, no F1 then. How does he like Super Formula so far? ''It was my first time in Japan this week,'' says the Frenchman, ''The people there are amazing. It's a completely different culture. The car is fast. I discovered Suzuka as well. Suzuka is a crazy track. It's so fast and so difficult.'' He continues: ''But I talked to some F1 drivers before going there. They were always telling me Suzuka is an amazing track. It's one of my favorites. I never drove there. I cannot tell you. But definitely now, I think it's one of the best tracks in the world.''