The young Grasse driver, Théo Pourchaire, at just 16 years old, already has two victories in Formula 3, after only three Grand Prix weekends. Third in the overall standings, what are his ambitions; is he already thinking about F2? Interview.
After a somewhat complicated first weekend in Austria, you followed up with two victories in one week, how have you experienced the past few days?
It’s really great. After a difficult first weekend in Styria, those two victories feel good. I was hoping to have a good progression, and it happened quickly; I’m happy about it. I didn’t necessarily think I would win so quickly. In any case, I’m enjoying it and already looking ahead to Silverstone in 10 days.
You are third in the overall standings, just two points from second place, what are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
My main goal is to continue progressing. There are things I haven’t discovered yet, in driving, in myself, in making decisions during races. Yes, I want to win, but I’m not saying I’m going to win all the races or always finish in the top 5. I prefer to take the races one at a time, and we’ll see the results at the end of the year.
You seem quite comfortable in the rain, what are your favorite race conditions? How do you envision the Grand Prix in 10 days at Silverstone?
I don’t really have favorite race conditions. Between rain and dry, it’s the same for me. I’m not unsettled by the rain; I adapt to the race conditions. For Silverstone, I will be discovering the track, as I’ve never driven there. I will use the simulator before going, but there’s a big difference with reality. I hope the conditions won’t be too changeable; if it rains or if it’s dry, I hope it stays that way all weekend. It’s true that when discovering a circuit that seems complicated—I know it from video games, it’s great but difficult, long with many fast and tight corners—it’s always better to have stable weather conditions. I want to score big points in Silverstone; I’m confident.
Are you thinking about Formula 2?
I’m trying to focus on F3, it’s just the beginning of the season. However, if everything goes well, the next step should be F2.
Getting a place in F2 is a huge investment, do you have sponsors who could help you or any Formula 1 teams?
Access to F2 is paid and very expensive. You could be last in Formula 3 and still enter F2 by paying for your spot, between 1.4 and 2 million euros. However, if a driver has a good F3 season and is supported by an F1 team, they will hardly pay for the season. In my case, I have the support of the Sauber Academy and the French motorsport federation, which is increasingly present as I move up the ranks. A few sponsors also help me, as does my father, who does his utmost for me.
How do you get along with the other F3 drivers, do you have friends?
I get along well with some drivers, particularly with Dennis Hauger, who is with Hitech Grand Prix, as we have driven together for a long time, especially in karting. I also get along well with my teammates. But no, I can’t say I have true friends; there’s a lot of rivalry.
