Alfa Romeo team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi addressed the 2024 driver lineup during his recent interview.
Alfa Romeo is fortunate to have one of the best rookie drivers Théo Pourchaire as part of their Sauber Academy. The Frenchman is currently serving as a test and reserve driver for the team during the 2023 season.
Pourchaire is currently competing in the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship for the ART Grand Prix team and seems to be on the right path to winning the Championship with one race remaining in the season.
It is part of the rules that F1 teams have to allocate at least two practice sessions in seasons to each of their drivers who have not competed in more than 2 Grand Prix Races.
Pourchaire got his chance during a Free Practice Session in Mexico City. However, the rookie driver was very unfortunate as his car suffered from technical issues, and he could not complete a single lap. Bravi told the media:
"He had been waiting all year for this session and then in Mexico he couldn't do laps because of a problem with the car."
Even though he could not race, the rookie driver showed professionalism as he remained calm under unfortunate circumstances, according to the team representative.
"And he remained calm over the board radio, and he gave the right instructions: precise and concrete messages to the team. So, if you ask me, this experience is positive for him. He has shown that he is mature."
Pourchaire is shaping up as a real talent that deserves a seat in Formula One. On the other hand, Alfa Romeo announced Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu as its drivers for the 2024 season.
Bravi does not see that as a problem. He said the team will have three drivers next year, not two official and one reserve. We have to wait to find out how this will work in Alfa Romeo.
"He deserves it, and even though we have confirmed our driver lineup for 2024, we are looking at what is the best racing program for him to stay in shape. He is part of our lineup. We will have three drivers next year, not two official drivers and one reserve."