Théo Pourchaire leaves Sauber, his F1 dreams almost over?

This is the end of a journey that began in 2019. At the time, the young Theo Pourchaire proved himself in F4 ADAC before winning the title ahead of Dennis Hauger. Since then, the Tricolore has proudly represented the academy of the Swiss training over the years, finishing vice-champion of F3 in 2020, only beaten by Oscar piastri, or even by being crowned champion of F2 in 2023. Exploits which made him the best student in the Sauber junior program.

Théo Pourchaire has always positioned himself as a serious contender for promotion in F1 within the parent team in the long term while he occupied the role of reserve. France believed for a time in his arrival but Sauber decided to turn to other profiles, coming from elsewhere like Guanyu-Zhou et Valtteri Bottas, abandoning his own academy.

As Théo, Zane, and Carrie graduate from the Sauber Academy, we look ahead to exciting futures for all three. 🎓

Carrie will remain part of the team's racing family, transitioning to her new role from 2025 onwards, as Team Brand Ambassador. 💚

— Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber (@stakef1team_ks) December 18, 2024

This year, Mattia Binotto, head of the Sauber/Audi project, assured that the Tricolore was in the good books for the 2025 season, but he did not get his chance. The Italian decided to associate Nico Hulkenberg to Gabriel Bortoleto

Sauber also announced the departures by Zane Maloney, now engaged in Formula E, and Carrie Schreiner, who competed in the last two seasons of F1 Academy and will now be a brand ambassador.

A rebound in Endurance?

The official announcement of his departure from the Sauber team practically marks the end of his hopes of one day becoming a regular in F1. The Swiss team represented to date the best chance of achieving this.

Without any real possibility in the short term, Théo Pourchaire will have to find a new program so as not to disappear from the motorsport landscape. The Grasse native has already turned to theEndurance where he joined Peugeot Sport. No place among the holders in WEC since the 6 places are occupied by Malthe Jakobsen, Paul di Resta, Loïc duval, Mikkel Jensen, Jean-Éric Vergne and Stoffel Vandoorne, if not as test and development driver of the Lion in WEC.

 

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Although he is not currently scheduled to participate in a round of the 2025 season, the Tricolore will nevertheless have the opportunity to show himself in the paddock and why not find a new base to continue racing at the world level. In any case, Endurance now appears to be the best solution for the interested party if he does not want to fall into oblivion.

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