After a four-week summer break, F2 returns to action this weekend at Zandvoort – arguably one of the most physically demanding circuits on the series’ calendar.  Ahead of free practice and qualifying, ART Grand Prix driver Théo Pourchaire and Invicta Virtuosi Racing driver Jack Doohan spoke to Feeder Series and selected media about their expectations for the upcoming round and their outlook on the championship.

By Nida Anis

With only three rounds and six races remaining in the FIA F2 Championship, the pressure is on for drivers to perform at what is one of the most physically demanding circuits on the series’ calendar. Zandvoort’s banked corners and undulating straights has earned it many comparisons to a rollercoaster ride – and the track’s limited overtaking opportunities mean that strong qualifying performances will be even more important.

ART and Sauber Academy driver Théo Pourchaire currently sits atop the drivers’ standings, having retaken the championship lead at the previous round in Spa-Francorchamps. He currently maintains a twelve-point lead over his closest rival, Mercedes junior Frederik Vesti – with thirty-four points between the Frenchman and Red Bull junior Ayumu Iwasa in third.

After a challenging start to the season, Invicta Virtuosi Racing and Alpine Academy driver Jack Doohan has made a comeback in the championship – having achieved two race wins, two fastest laps, and pole position over the past two F2 events. Currently fourth in the championship and four points behind Iwasa, the Australian is eager to continue his run of form.

Feeder Series and selected media spoke to Pourchaire and Doohan ahead of today’s free practice and qualifying sessions about the upcoming race weekend in Zandvoort, their championship prospects, and the ongoing support that they receive from their respective F1 driver academies.

Championship outlook

Pourchaire’s lead in the championship puts the prospect of winning the F2 title within tantalisingly close reach – but the ART and Sauber Academy driver is squarely focused on achieving good results this race weekend.

“It’s good to be back,” Pourchaire said. “I’m leading the championship, that’s a great thing. Still three rounds to go, so I’m focused on this race weekend, first to get back on a great page. I want to do some great results this weekend, be consistent, do not do any big mistakes as well so still focus on my job, on the job to do.”

The French driver remains steadfast in his approach to the remaining races in the F2 season.

“I will not change the approach,” he added. “It’s amazing to be leading the championship now, it’s a much better position. I prefer this one because I’m a few points ahead of everyone, but I will not change the approach. I will try to stay focused on my job, and for me it’s a normal race weekend this weekend. But I will try and push like usual and do some great laps tomorrow and great races on Saturday and Sunday.

“I’m not too much focused on the championship right now.”

Doohan has fought his way back in the drivers’ standings after a dismal start to the season. Feeder Series asked if the Australian’s mentality has changed as the championship enters its closing stanges.

“To be honest, the mentality hasn’t really changed, coming in with the same mindset that I have been all season really, and it’s good to know that the package is there, the pace is there, the chemistry with the team is there now – where we should have started the season. It’s good to be back here and I’m feeling good.

“Regarding the championship, not really taking any interest into it right now. My goal is to win and to be in front of everyone. That will include championship rivals or whatever, and that is the goal at the moment. And yeah, there’s no pressure on it, no real stress. I think things have been out of my control, and we’ve done the best we could to really come back – and that’s said more than enough.

“So I’m looking forward to continuing this and ending the year off well.”

A make-or-break season?

Both Pourchaire and Doohan have completed at least one F2 campaign before: Pourchaire is in his third season of F2, whilst Doohan is in his second. The increased expectations placed on drivers returning to the championship can lead some to view their seasons as a make-or-break moment in their careers. Do Pourchaire and Doohan agree?

“It is an important season as it is my third season in Formula 2,” said Pourchaire. “For sure, there is some expectations on me, and for sure I’m in a great position right now. I hope I can finish the job. But I’m still very young and I did some great results in the past as well: I’m vice-champion in Formula 3, vice-champion in Formula 2, youngest ever race winner in F3 and F2.

“For sure a title would be great, but I don’t put too much pressure on myself on that. I did a great job, I’m doing my best, and if I can clinch the title it’s perfect. If I can’t, it’s like this for some reason – you know, last year I had a lot of bad luck – this season, it’s going as well as I said, so let’s continue like this.”

Doohan shared similar sentiments to Pourchaire. “I think any season is important, slightly more on some than others. Make or break, I wouldn’t really say so that way,” he added. “Try to obviously, like we all do the best job in every season.

“On the importance of winning the title to get to Formula 1, I think it definitely helps, it plays a big part – but at the end of the day, it can unfortunately come down to things outside of your control and it’s very circumstantial. As long as you have a good team behind you, in both Formula 1 and Formula 2 that can understand these things, then I don’t think it would be a massive hinderance.

“But, you know, it’s obviously always better to get it done.”

Support from F1 driver academies

Pourchaire and Doohan are both part of F1 driver academies and have both stepped up to reserve driver roles within their respective F1 teams. Feeder Series asked how their ongoing involvement as junior drivers has supported them through their F2 campaigns.

“It’s been very good, especially for myself,” Doohan said about being a part of the Alpine Academy. “I spent a long time part of the Red Bull Junior Team with a sort of late single-seater change to Alpine, my Formula 2 campaign, and they’ve been a massive help really. Integrating me well into the Formula 1 team, getting me valuable time in a Formula 1 car as well, including the two FP1s but also a lot of mileage in the 2021 car.

“Also spending time in a lot of race weekends as the reserve driver, but also getting to know everyone in the F1 team – almost like I am driving for the team – is really important. It’s that connection and that chemistry you must have with the team to perform at a top level, it’s super important. So for me to already have that and not actually be in one of the seats as of yet, is really cool.

“I’m very grateful, I owe them a lot, and I look forward to continuing our work together for many years.”

Without [the Sauber Academy], I wouldn’t be driving this season

Théo Pourchaire

Speaking about his involvement in the Sauber Academy, Pourchaire said, “It’s amazing to be part of the Sauber Academy. They are helping me since three years now. Financially, it’s a great help – without them, I wouldn’t be driving this season, that’s for sure. Big thanks to them for their support financially, but as well, technically.

“To be the reserve driver this season, it means a lot to me, because I’m doing a lot of F1 simulator and in case they have an issue with one of the drivers, I know I’m the one stepping in the car. So it’s a huge responsibility but it feels great to be part of the Formula 1 team.

“Knowing the people now as well, now a bit more – all the engineers, the mechanics, and all the people at the factory – it’s a great feeling.”

Header photo credit: Formula Motorsport Limited