Although Alfa Romeo has renewed its driver roster with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu for the 2024 season, it is exploring different options for reserve driver Theo Pourchaire.
Pourchaire close to F2 title
French young talent Pourchaire attracted attention by winning the German F2019 championship in 4, F2020 in 3 and F2021 in 2. Pourchaire, who is trying to guarantee the F2 championship in the last race to be held in Abu Dhabi, will not be able to move directly to F1 even if he achieves this success. Because Alfa Romeo signed a new one-year contract with Zhou and also used Bottas' option. Thus, Pourchaire will remain with the team as a reserve driver next year.
Test program planned for Pourchaire
Sauber manager Alessandro Alunni Bravi said that they will conduct various tests to help Pourchaire get used to the F1 car. “We are discussing what would be the best race schedule for him,” Bravi said. "No door is closed for him in the future." said. Bravi gave examples of the last two F2 champions, Felipe Drugovich and Oscar Piastri, and stated that not being able to move to F2 after F1 does not prevent the team from choosing you in the future. While Drugovich served as Aston Martin's reserve driver this year, Piastri carried out an extensive testing program for Alpine and transferred to McLaren in 2023.
Alfa Romeo's testing program faces difficulties
Alunni Bravi stated that they could prepare a similar test program for Pourchaire, but it was not easy financially. Bravi said, “Unlike Aston Martin, McLaren or Mercedes, we do not have an old car with which we can conduct a test program. “This is a big restriction.” said. Bravi said they wanted Pourchaire to stay close to the F1 team and believed he would win the championship in Abu Dhabi. Bravi said, “We are discussing among ourselves. This is quite expensive in terms of budget, but we want to see all the opportunities. The doors are open for a driver like him.” said.
Pourchaire will hit the track twice this year
Pourchaire is likely to drive Alfa Romeo's F1 car in the first sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi this year. This marks his third appearance on the track this season. Pourchaire previously took part in the first session of the Hungarian GP.
