Motorsport can be brutal at times. Why do we say that? Because, even the best from the lot, miss out on getting the rightful spotlight. It’s surprising especially when reigning champions don’t get their place in a team. F2 reigning champion Theo Pourchaire feels dejected and neglected. Pourchaire is feeling the sting of being left out despite his accolades. The Audi (Sauber) reserve driver has caused noise in the junior category. However, the German org isn’t looking at him.

Pourchaire feels hurt, doubting Audi ever considered him for an F1 promotion. Recently, rumors surfaced about a potential seat at the revamped Sauber in 2026, but uncertainty looms. Allegedly, Valtteri Bottas is in talks for the second seat, which could force Pourchaire to move to IndyCar. The reigning champ fears his F1 dream may never come true, and that’s the direction things seem to be heading. While Theo became the youngest driver to win the F2 championship in 2023, this didn’t help him get a seat in F1.

The Audi driver told Speed Street: “It’s tough because I won F2 which is the last step before F1,” adding, “Everybody is looking at the Formula 2 drivers in the F1 paddock, which ones are going to drive in F1 for the next few years. But I felt like I was considered, but not that much, which hurts quite a lot.” Pourchaire feels the door is closed for him- he might never get a spot in Audi F1. However, the world of motorsport comes with a lot of surprises, as the Audi champ said: “You see crazy things happening. So I still believe I probably deserve a chance, at least a chance just to show myself.”

Now, what option does the French driver have left? IndyCar. However, Theo Pourchaire doesn’t regard it as a possible plan B, which shows how important F1 is for junior drivers. Years of hard work, endless races, and more hard work, all sum up to the day of walking down the F1 paddock.

The Audi driver may have to shift if he doesn’t get an F1 seat for 2025

Recently, Pourchaire gave up his IndyCar seat to Nolan Siegel at Arrow McLaren. This was an unexpected announcement after the team signed the French prodigy for the season to replace an injured driver: Davis Malukas. Moreover, the Audi F1 reserve doesn’t regard IndyCar “as a plan B.” But, he may have to return to the motorsport category if his F1 dreams shatter: “I’ve been in talks with some other teams, mainly looking forward to next season. Because if I don’t have an opportunity in Formula 1, IndyCar is something I want to do.”

IndyCar is more of a backup option for Theo Pourchaire. With Audi’s Alessandro Alunni Bravi looking for more options, the doors to F1 might be closed for their F2 champ. However, Pourchaire remains the reserve driver for the Sauber team. But here’s the catch: Audi wants to consider other options. Despite having an F2 world champion in the squad, the German company wishes to look beyond. This shows how competitive the F1 air is; only the finest drivers for the team- Nico Hulkenberg and a question mark.

The point here is Theo Pourchaire’s disappointment. He was sure at one point, but now, no more. Audi might have truly let him and what remains ahead is uncertain. Is IndyCar the next stop for a potential rising star of Formula 1? Only time can tell. What is your take on this? Share below.