Théo Pourchaire on Pitstop - THE F2 CHAMPION IS HERE!🏆

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Summary

# Formula 2 Champion: Théo Pourchaire's Exclusive Interview

## Introduction

- Host: Jake Boys and Fabio Bocca welcome Formula 2 Champion, Théo Pourchaire, to their podcast.
- Pourchaire expresses his excitement for his first-ever podcast interview.

## Winning the Formula 2 Championship

- Pourchaire reflects on his remarkable achievement of winning the Formula 2 Championship in 2022.
- He emphasizes the significance of this victory as the final step before Formula 1 and the high level of competition in Formula 2.
- Pourchaire expresses his gratitude to the AIG Grand Prix team for their exceptional support throughout the season.

## Challenges and Success in Formula 2

- Pourchaire discusses the difficulties he faced during his three seasons in Formula 2, particularly in his first two years when he narrowly missed the championship title.
- He highlights the importance of perseverance and learning from past experiences to achieve success.
- Pourchaire emphasizes the crucial role of maintaining a healthy weight for Formula 2 drivers, given the strict regulations and the need to fit into the car.

## Celebrating the Championship Win

- Pourchaire describes the lively celebration with his team in the garage after securing the championship title.
- He reveals that he drove a Formula 1 car just two days after winning the championship, showcasing his dedication and passion for the sport.

## Formula 1 Aspirations

- Pourchaire expresses his desire to compete in Formula 1 and believes he has the potential to succeed at that level.
- He acknowledges the intense competition for seats in Formula 1 and the need for the right opportunity to arise.

## Transition to Super Formula

- Pourchaire announces his move to Super Formula in 2023, explaining that the lack of Formula 1 opportunities prompted this decision.
- He highlights the benefits of Super Formula, including its high level of competition, quick cars, and the opportunity to continue driving while remaining in close proximity to Europe for potential Formula 1 call-ups.

## Frustration with the Lack of F1 Opportunities for F2 Champions

- Pourchaire expresses his disappointment that the Formula 2 champion is not guaranteed a Formula 1 seat, despite the high level of talent and skill required to win the championship.
- He suggests the need for a solution to ensure that Formula 2 champions have a clear path to Formula 1.

## The Dream of Driving for Ferrari

- Pourchaire admits that driving for Ferrari is his ultimate dream in Formula 1, citing the team's iconic status and the allure of the red cars.
- He recalls his childhood memories of attending the Monaco Grand Prix and rooting for Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari.

## Financial Struggles in Motorsport

- Pourchaire acknowledges the significant financial challenges in motorsport, particularly the escalating costs as drivers progress through the ranks.
- He expresses gratitude for the support he received from his father and the Sauber Academy, which enabled him to pursue his racing career.
- Pourchaire emphasizes the importance of financial support for young drivers to succeed in motorsport.

**Theo Pourchaire's Background and Journey to Formula 2:**

* Began racing at the age of 15 in French F4.
* Won the German F4 Championship in 2019.
* Joined the Sauber Junior Team, which was linked to Charouz Racing.
* Won the French F4 Championship in 2020 with 17 out of 21 wins.

**Formula 2 Career:**

* Competed in Formula 2 for two seasons before winning the championship in 2022.
* Known for his consistency and ability to pick up points race after race.
* Won the championship by focusing on consistency rather than chasing individual race wins.
* Secured the championship with a dominant pole position and race win in the opening round in Bahrain.
* Faced challenges and setbacks, including a brake failure during an F1 test and a major crash in Jeddah.
* Showcased impressive racecraft and overtaking skills, inspired by Fernando Alonso's race starts and overtakes.

**Views on Formula 2 Tracks and the F2 Calendar:**

* Prefers smaller tracks that suit the Formula 2 car better, such as Austin and Mexico.
* Believes the Formula 2 calendar could be improved with more races in America.
* Enjoys racing on tracks like Barcelona, but finds them a bit boring for Formula 2 races.

**Reserve Driver Role and Sauber's Support:**

* Became a reserve driver for Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team in 2022.
* Praises Sauber for their unwavering support throughout his career.
* Acknowledges the importance of the reserve driver role in Formula 1.

**Transition to Super Formula in Japan:**

* Will be competing in the Super Formula series in Japan in 2023.
* Excited about the new challenge and the opportunity to race on different tracks.
* Plans to travel to Japan for races and tests, with some pre-season and mid-season testing scheduled.

**Ambitions and Future Goals:**

* Aspires to eventually race in Formula 1.
* Aims to continue learning and improving as a driver in Super Formula.
* Hopes to impress Formula 1 teams with his performances and earn a chance to compete in the pinnacle of motorsport.

**Pit Stop Fastest Lap Challenge:**

* Théo is given a few practice laps to familiarize himself with the simulator.
* He is then given three timed laps to set his fastest time.
* Théo impresses the hosts with his quick adaptation and sets a blistering lap time of 105.244, securing the top spot on the leaderboard.

**Discussion of Théo's Performance:**

* The hosts praise Théo's exceptional performance, highlighting his natural talent and ability to adapt quickly to new environments.
* Théo expresses his satisfaction with his lap time and attributes his success to his dedication and hard work.

**Comparison with Other Drivers:**

* The hosts compare Théo's lap time to those of other notable drivers, including Oscar Piastri, Pietro Fittipaldi, Brad Benavides, Felipe Drugovich, and Matt Gallagher.
* Théo emerges as the fastest among them, further solidifying his position as a rising star in the racing world.

**Théo's Aspirations and Goals:**

* Théo shares his ambitious goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver and competing at the highest level of motorsport.
* He acknowledges the intense competition and challenges he will face but remains optimistic and determined to achieve his dream.

**Théo's Versatility and Adaptability:**

* The hosts discuss Théo's versatility as a driver, highlighting his success in various racing categories, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and karting.
* Théo emphasizes the importance of adaptability and being open to learning new things in order to succeed in different racing environments.

**Théo's Personality and Demeanor:**

* The hosts commend Théo for his positive attitude, infectious smile, and humble demeanor.
* Théo attributes his positive outlook to his upbringing and the support he receives from his family and friends.

**Conclusion:**

* The hosts express their gratitude to Théo for joining the podcast and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
* Théo thanks the hosts for the opportunity and reiterates his commitment to achieving his goals.