Théo Pourchaire will drive the Alfa Romeo during the tests in Austin

He will make his official debut in F1. Théo Pourchaire, who is currently racing in Formula 2 this season, will have the chance to drive Valtteri Bottas’ Alfa Romeo C42 in Texas. The Frenchman will replace the Finn during the first free practice session. This is done as part of the sessions imposed on young drivers by each team.

The driver of F2 will take the wheel for the first time during an official test. Last year, in Hungary, he had participated in private tests.

I’m delighted to make my debut in free practice in Austin; it will be my second time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, but in some ways, it will feel like the first time because this time it will be during an official Grand Prix session, the Frenchman confirmed.

It’s like a dream coming true, and I want to thank Alfa Romeo for trusting me and giving me this amazing opportunity: I can’t wait to be on the track and I will make sure to make the most of it, and do my best to support the team as they prepare for the United States Grand Prix.

Third driver in 2023

Théo Pourchaire has also been announced as the team’s third driver for 2023.

Théo has achieved remarkable performances throughout this season, as well as in previous years: we have been working closely with him for nearly four years now as a member of our Academy, and we have been impressed by his constant progress and development both as a driver and, equally importantly, as a person, says Fred Vasseur, the manager of the Italo-Swiss team.