In August 2007, it was revealed that Sebastien had been signed to race for Scuderia Toro Rosso in Formula One, for the 2008 season. His final race in the Champ Car series was on December 2,2007.
Sebastien: (on joining Toro Rosso in 2008) I am not pretending we are going to win races in 2008, though it would be awesome – but had I not tried [F1] I would have regretted it for the rest of my life. It certainly feels like it was time for me to go after a new challenge, given the right opportunity, and I think this is the case.
Sebastien: (on earning an F1 drive for 2008) It has been a long time coming, but here we are! I would like to thank everyone at Red Bull for believing in me and giving me this long-awaited opportunity to race in Formula 1. I must also thank Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing for letting me pursue my dream and allowing me to test for Scuderia Toro Rosso a few times this year.
Sebastien: (asked what attracts him to F1) Obviously Formula 1 is the fastest car on the planet - and this is where you want to be when you want to be a top driver. Having won in Champ Cars for three straight years in a row it feels a little bit like: 'What's next?' So we will have to see what the future holds exactly for Sebastien Bourdais.