Last year’s F3 runner-up and current F2 driver Theo Pourchaire made his F1 test debut with Alfa Romeo, driving a 2019 specification C38 at the Hungarian Grand Prix venue on Wednesday.
The Swiss-Italian team joined McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo at the 18-inch Pirelli tyre testing on Wednesday. However, while the Australian was working diligently on the 2022 all-new F1 tyres, Alfa Romeo used the extra day after the Hungarian Grand Prix to field its junior driver.
Currently sitting sixth in the F2 standings, Pourchaire completed a private test at the Hungaroring. The Frenchman has already raised eyebrows so far in the 2021 F2 season with his brilliant performances by becoming the championship’s youngest ever polesitter and race winner following a stunning debut at Monaco in May.
“Sauber Academy driver Theo Pourchaire had his first taste of F1 machinery during a private test at the Hungaroring yesterday. The young Frenchman completed a full programme throughout the session: a good job and the perfect send-off before the break,” read the team’s statement.
Pourchaire, who sustained a broken arm on the opening lap of an F2 race at Baku, said on Twitter. “Yesterday a dream came true, I drove for the first time of my life a Formula 1 car”
“I remember dreaming of that day as a kid. I would like to [thank] the whole team for this amazing experience and unforgettable day.”
Yesterday a dream came true, I drove for the first time of my life a Formula 1 car. I remember dreaming of that day as a kid. I would like to thanks the whole @alfaromeoracing team for this amazing experience and unforgettable day 🙏🏻#f1 #TP21 pic.twitter.com/XDx24rmiHt
— Théo Pourchaire (@TPourchaire) August 5, 2021
Elsewhere, there were bad news for other junior drivers. Williams have opted to release development driver Dan Ticktum with immediate effect.
The London-born racer was named in the line-up of the Williams Driver Academy in December 2019, where he was designated the role of a development driver. He retained his role for the 2020 season, and continued to contribute to the Grove-based team’s development programme this season.
“It wasn’t announced until now as there was no option for an F1 seat in 2022 for me. Thank you to Williams Racing for the opportunity! Hope to work together in the future,” Ticktum added in his post.
Ticktum competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship this year, racing at the Carlin team. The Briton currently lies in fourth place in the standings, having won once and stood three other times on the podium.