We called him in late summer in June. At his new base in Indianapolis, wearing the bright orange of the Arrow McLaren team, he talked about the IndyCar Championship and the discovery of F1’s “Made in America.” Just three days before the Laguna Seca round, following the incredible announcement that he had been ousted by U.S. hopeful Nolan Siegel, the interview was written and thrown in just before publication. garbage can. Théo Pourchaire, who had been snubbed by Formula 1 and headed to the United States as a replacement, then officially launched, seems to have found El Dorado across the Atlantic. The Frenchman, the defending F2 champion, has the ambition to become the best rookie and is approaching the podium step by step, thereby honoring his crown. So we called him back last week to talk about yesterday and tomorrow. At home in Grasse, he had just celebrated his 21st birthday. The future belongs to him.
Théo, what if we asked you to sum up your first American experience in two or three keywords?
The first word that comes to my mind is “excited”. Of course, the second one is “disappointing” because the story ends prematurely. In my opinion, the balance sheet remains skewed to the positive side. A rewarding adventure, yes. Because I found a super cool champion. Because I learned a lot.
What is the main reason for your satisfaction?
There’s no doubt that we adapted very quickly to this championship and to this racing philosophy. And the country, their way of life. I went there with a good attitude because I love American culture. I know what’s going to happen. Compared to Europe, everything is different, but it’s not another world, it’s all the same. There are a lot of peculiarities about IndyCar racing. Route, road or oval… driving… so many specificities that make it a discipline like no other. We can love. We can hate. I love it!
No. 1 highlight of the drive?
There are two tied! I will never forget my baptism by fire in Long Beach. We arrived in California with zero experience. There are no practice sessions. I qualified 22nd. I made my best progress of the day and finished 11th (1in3 behind his teammate Alexander Rossi, 10th, editor’s note). Great pace on lap 85, several overtakes at the end of the race, first rookie: great start! And Detroit also performed well in the qualifying round. I set the seventh fastest time. While I was exploring the track like nowhere else, I missed a few thousandths going into the final stages of making it into the top six in contention for pole position.
Any regrets other than having to leave the bandwagon?
No big regrets, no. In Detroit, it seemed easy for me to get on the podium. Unfortunately, a bad pit stop cost me my position and my hopes were dashed. Then, to get back on the slope, I tried to overtake… despite the penalty, I still finished tenth. These are just racing facts. This is part of learning.
Ultimately, you’re not racing on an oval track. Do you feel ready?
Yes! Testing at Gateway and Milwaukee is going well. I know this task will be difficult. But these events produced many twists and turns. There’s no doubt that I could have taken the chance, especially because the Arrow McLaren team is so good at this type of track. I’m counting on the oval to score well. Good enough to win the rookie championship, that’s my goal.
Is it really exciting to drive on an oval track?
It’s much more impressive than you might think before tasting it. From the outside, with only two, three or four turns, you would feel like the car is going in a circle. But it goes fast, it keeps overtaking, it skims the walls, the gaps are small. In Milwaukee, there are other teams and we do game simulations as a group. I realize the complexity of things. Strategy matters. Emotionally speaking, he is very strong. Because very small contacts can cause serious crashes. Honestly, it’s a big challenge. I love the challenge!
After five races, do you already think you have what it takes to get on the podium or even win?
Absolutely! I found a rhythm quickly. Furthermore, I was excited to try this famous Laguna Seca route for the first time. One of those rare racetracks that is as European as an American road. It can be done even without XXL experience. All that is needed is for the planets to align at the right time.
Did you hold back after Arrow McLaren Racing’s cruel decision destroyed your momentum three days before Laguna Seca?
Pfft, what’s the point of introspection? I turned the page. The team made a choice. I respect him. It has nothing to do with my performance. There’s nothing I can do about it. It’s just a setback, that’s all! Too bad for my career.
When they urgently called you back to replace Rossi in Toronto on July 20-21, did you hesitate?
Without hesitation. I just left my suitcase here. I was in a restaurant in Cannes after watching his first free practice with the injury. I smiled and said to myself, “Maybe they will think of me…” At midnight, Tony Kannan (Sports Director) Showed up on my phone! There is no question of rejection. McLaren opened the door to IndyCar for me. One more game with them, I’ll take it. I jumped on the first plane without a second thought!
With the weekend approaching like this, going straight through the qualification box without any reference, after a long journey, are you more frustrated or excited?
Both! At first I was worried and stressed about the idea of starting in the middle of the road with Rossi’s car, engineers and mechanics. But once you put the helmet on, it’s no longer a problem! In this case, you have to do your best. In qualifying I only completed 7 or 8 laps, eight tenths behind the best McLaren (His other teammate, Mexican Pato O’Ward). Correct. During the race, even though I was exhausted due to jet lag, I cherished every moment and every lap. (14e). I was exhausted but happy when it was over. More than ever, I’m fascinated by IndyCar.
F4, F3, F2, IndyCar…what now? For the first time, you’re waiting, but there’s no certainty on the horizon. How was your experience?
Not so good… In F1 it’s not just the result that matters, I know that. But I imagined that my career, my titles, my wins would generate more recognition and consideration. My current situation seems weird and not worth it. Well, we’ll get through it no matter what…
Your top priority: Bounce back in IndyCar?
I do. I would very much like to expand my trajectory there. Enough to stay at the top level because this is the toughest championship after F1 when it comes to single-seater racing. Other approaches are also possible. For example WEC (World Endurance Championship)many manufacturers are involved. Formula E also…
At 21 years old, is Formula 1 still an option?
Oh yes! I’m a Sauber driver. Here they invited me to Monza (Italian Grand Prix next weekend). I don’t know the specific reason yet. There is no doubt that we will discuss the future together, especially with Mattia Binotto (Former boss of Ferrari team, just in charge of Audi project at Sauber). I hope everything goes well.
Cash Matter Summary: What does the FIA F2 title mean today?
Presumably many people will ask themselves this question, right? For me, as for the one ahead of me on the list (Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, crowned in 2022)the elevator is not working yet. On the other hand, for the driver I beat, the door opened
say what? I do not understand. Logically, the F2 champion could at least try his luck in F1. At least give him a chance…
Among his former rivals who never crowned themselves in F2 and F3, American Logan Sargent completed two seasons with Williams, while British driver Oliver Behrmann and Australian Jack Doohan will be next Joined the star field at Haas and Alpine respectively this season.
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