Formula 2 star Theo Pourchaire leads the way as the most notable name included among the Sauber Academy driver roster for the upcoming year.
Pourchaire has been ever-present in the Swiss group’s academy ranks since the scheme was launched in 2020, with the overall aim of nurturing young drivers through the junior categories on the path towards Formula 1.
Following on from making his F1 grand prix weekend debut with a practice outing at the United States GP last year, Pourchaire has since been promoted within the Alfa Romeo set-up to become the team’s reserve driver for the entirety of the 2023 season.
The French driver will conduct his new role alongside full-time racing duties in the F2 championship, as he aims to win the title in his third campaign after missing out in a battle with Felipe Drugovich last year.
“Being part of the Sauber Academy is a massive opportunity for me, and I am thankful for that,” Pourchaire acknowledged.
“I wouldn’t be where I am right now, and I wouldn’t have had the chances I was given without their support. I feel part of a great family and a great team, which gives me a further push to obtain the best possible results.
“This year will be a busy one, splitting my time between Formula 2 and my reserve driver duties, but I am ready and motivated for the challenge.”
Pourchaire currently holds the record for being the youngest race winner in both the F3 and F2 series and is one of four drivers enlisted in the Sauber Academy this year, including Marcus Amand and Lena Buhler, who will debut in the newly formed F1 Academy series.
Meanwhile, the German karting sensation, Taym Saleh, is the other name to have been chosen alongside that trio to represent the Hinwil-based squad in 2023 and he will also receive the support of Sauber’s driver development programme.
Their progress will be overseen throughout the year by the Sporting Director of Sauber Motorsport, Beat Zehnder.
“Discovering and nurturing young talent has always been at the centre of Sauber Motorsport’s philosophy, with the ultimate aim of raising the champions of tomorrow,” Zehnder said.
“Sauber Academy’s 2023 roster is very promising, and I am looking forward to working with each of the drivers. Theo’s growth and development ever since he joined have been a source of great pride for us, including his promotion to being one of our Formula One team’s official reserve drivers.
“We are also delighted to welcome Lena, Marcus, and Taym to the Academy.
“We will be by their side in the next steps of their careers, providing them with the tools, the education and the resources needed to succeed in the world of motorsport: we cannot wait to get started and unlock their potential further together.”
Keyword: Pourchaire fronts Sauber Academy line-up for 2023