Théo Pourchaire to make FP1 debut at US Grand Prix

Théo Pourchaire, a Sauber Academy driver who is currently participating in Formula 2, will be making his Formula One Free Practice debut at the upcoming United States Grand Prix for Swiss Formula One team Alfa Romeo.

The Frenchman will participate in the Free Practice 1 session where he will drive in place of Valtteri Bottas in Texas. The young Sauber Academy driver, who is currently second in the Formula 2 standings, will also serve as an Alfa Romeo reserve driver next season.

Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, commented:

“Théo has been delivering great performances over the course of this season, as well as during the previous years: we have been working closely with him for almost four years now, as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed by his constant progress and development as a driver first and, equally importantly, as a person. We are delighted to give him his first Free Practice outing next week: it’s a well-deserved opportunity, and I’m confident he will once again impress us with his performances, as he will help the team gather valuable data ahead of the United States Grand Prix.“

Beat Zehnder, Sporting Director Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN, added:

“Ever since he joined the Sauber Academy back in 2019, Théo has shown impressive progress. He has been a title winner in 2019 and a contender in 2020 in F3; in F2, particularly this season, he’s given his all and was in the battle for the title for most of the championship. He is, without any doubt, one of the most promising young drivers coming through the ranks, and it’s a pleasure for us to finally see him stepping up and earning his first Formula One Free Practice outing. From the very beginning he impressed us with his professional approach and dedication to always give his very best on- and off-track, and we can’t wait to see him further unlocking his potential on track.“

Théo Pourchaire, Sauber Academy driver, said:

“I am thrilled to be making my Free Practice debut in Austin; it will be my second time behind the wheel of a Formula One car, but in some ways, it will feel like it’s the first time, as this time it will be during an official Grand Prix session. It feels like a dream coming true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN for putting their trust in me and granting me this amazing opportunity: I am looking forward to being on track, and I will make sure to get the most out of it and to do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.“