Mitch Evans on Pourchaire's Formula E debut with Opel: "I'll have to play big brother a bit"

Theo Pourchaire has yet to start a Formula E race, but Mitch Evans says the 2023 Formula 2 champion has already been "super quick" in Gen4 testing. As Opel prepares for its championship debut, Evans expects to "play big brother a bit" for his young teammate - although not when it comes to outright pace.

Pourchaire may be a Formula E rookie, but Opel already appears convinced that he can be competitive from the outset. Both team boss Jörg Schrott and Formula E's all-time record winner Mitch Evans have high expectations for the 2023 Formula 2 champion.

"I've seen him in testing and he's been super quick," Evans said during a media round attended by e-Formula.news at his presentation as an Opel works driver. "I think the partnership is very exciting. I think he's going to do really well from the get-go."

Evans: "Not in terms of lap time"

Evans sees the combination of his experience and Pourchaire's youth as a clear advantage. "Obviously I'm going to have to try and play big brother a bit at the start, to help him get up to speed with certain things. But when I say get up to speed, I don't mean in terms of lap time, because I don't think that will be a problem."

Instead, Pourchaire is more likely to need support with the Formula E-specific processes and demands of a race weekend. "There are a few unique things about Formula E that you have to get your head around during a race weekend," Evans explained. "There's a lot to think about, and it comes at you really, really fast."

Evans does not expect those challenges to cause Pourchaire any major problems. "I honestly think he's going to do well from the start, so he's going to be on my heels. Ideally we can push the team together. That's the main thing, and I think we can do that."

For Evans himself, the dynamic is also unfamiliar. "I don't think I've ever had a young teammate like that," said the 32-year-old. "It's been a great choice from Opel to get a rookie who's so proven and deserves his chance in a championship like Formula E."

Schrott: Pourchaire can "learn a lot" from Evans

"Mitch already has a leading position in the team," Schrott said. "His leadership is driven by performance and professionalism rather than internal politics. That also makes him a perfect pairing with a young talent like Theo. Theo can learn a lot from him, and Mitch will share the experience he has gained over so many years in Formula E."

"Theo is so full of fresh energy. For him, this really is the chance of his career," Schrott added. "He looks up to Mitch as a kind of role model and is extremely motivated."

The season opener will provide the first indication under race conditions of how quickly Pourchaire can adapt to Formula E's unique demands. The opening race is scheduled for December 18 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Before that, the official pre-season test will take place in Madrid in mid-November.