Background | The dilemma for top junior talent Théo Pourchaire (and Sauber)

Everyone in the F1 paddock agrees: Formula 2 championship leader Théo Pourchaire (19) belongs on the F1 grid at some point - sooner rather than later. But there is a problem for the driver from the Sauber Academy: there seems to be no place for the Frenchman for the time being at the now Alfa Romeo team. There is a growing likelihood that the talent will not get to race next season.

Does the name Robert Shwartzman still ring a bell? After his second place in the F2 championship in 2021, the Israeli Russian was promised a bright future in Formula 1. He just had to be patient because in 2022 there was no place for him in Formula 1; not at Ferrari (for which he was a test and reserve driver), and not at the Italian manufacturer's supported teams Haas and Alfa Romeo.

Just as there appeared to be no place in 2023. Meanwhile, Schwartzman races in GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup, a five-race championship. The Israeli-licensed Ferrari man is still waiting. The longer you are out of the picture with F1 teams, the harder it becomes to make a debut in the top class of motorsport.

Pourchaire does not want to follow Shwartzman

It is the doomsday scenario for Theo Pourchaire. If he does indeed take the title in the remaining three race weekends, F2 regulations do not allow him to spend another year in the step-up class. Not that this should be necessary, because, after three seasons in Formula 2, he is absolutely ready for the step up to Formula 1. Only, it seems Sauber cannot offer him a seat for 2024.

Valtteri Bottas is stuck with the Swiss team for another season, while the team is negotiating with Guanyu Zhou to extend his expiring commitment. Indeed, Sauber could choose to part with the Chinese driver, but then they would also see a hefty sponsorship fee disappear. So a dilemma for Sauber: either give their own top talent a chance or go for the money after all? Money that Sauber could very well use, which immediately answers that question.

The scenarios for Pourchaire

Pourchaire is in a difficult situation. At his age, he needs to race almost every week, which is the only way he will improve. The Frenchman - who will turn 20 in just over a week's time - has absolutely nothing to gain from constantly travelling after the F1 circus in 2024, only to stare at the data screens in the pit box every session. But what is the alternative?

Switching to another F1 team, perhaps. Except that Sauber has no ties with other teams like, say, Mercedes and Williams had (in the past). Anyway, which team has room next season? Perhaps Williams, if Logan Sargeant continues to underperform. But why would Sauber loan out their talent, making a direct competitor stronger? If Pourchaire lives up to expectations and is the superior of the Sauber drivers on the track, it could cost the Swiss many millions in revenue.

So is there no solution at all? Deliberately missing out on the F2 title is a possibility, but a winner like Pourchaire will never opt for that. A temporary switch to another racing class is a better choice. Not racing in a junior class, but in a highly regarded championship. In Formula E, almost all the seats are taken, and for the still vacant ones, Pourchaire's name is never mentioned. So that is not an option. Nor does an adventure in IndyCar make sense right now. After all, it is a racing class for drivers who have been retired or have no chance of making it to Formula 1.

Just as the World Endurance Championship is not a suitable class as it does not race formula cars. However, an excellent solution would be a temporary transfer to the Japanese Super Formula; a highly regarded championship where Pierre Gasly previously gained experience, as currently Liam Lawson does.

'F1 remains the goal'

Recently, Pourchaire spoke exclusively to GPblog. Speaking about a future in Formula 1, he said, "It all depends on the opportunities you get. Everyone dreams of becoming an F1 world champion. So the level is very high. I can't say how realistic it is, but it's definitely my goal. Next year? I think a lot of drivers deserve a seat in F1. I can't say much about it. I will do my best this season and hopefully one day I will get the chance."

It could have been the words of Robert Shwartzman.