F1 | Zhou winks at a return to Alpine orbit

The contracts of Zhou Guanyu and his teammate Valtteri Bottas with Sauber will expire at the end of the 2024 season. With the announcement of Nico Hulkenberg, who will join the Hinwil team in 2025, this means that next year there there will be only one seat available in the Swiss team.

Speaking about the latest developments, the Chinese driver, who is in his third season in Formula 1, admitted that he is “evaluating various options”, including staying with his current team, and said he was confident of continuing in the Circus , with the top priority of securing a long-term contract.

“I always try to focus on what is best in terms of long-term projects, which gives me very high motivation. I feel comfortable enough to stay on the grid next year too,” said Zhou, who this weekend reach the 50th participation in a Grand Prix in Miami.

The hiring of Hulkenberg represents a further step in Sauber’s reorganization with a view to becoming Audi’s factory team in the 2026 season. However, Zhou insisted that this will not affect how he approaches the rest of the season.

“It seems quite early to me. Of course, for us drivers it’s not an easy process to know that there is a colleague who has already occupied a place for the next few years, but I haven’t changed my approach.”

“I always try to give everything I have on the track, because I want to show people what I can do. This is the most important thing for my future too.”

Then he added: “The driver market could bring a lot of changes next year, so I think we will look at every opportunity and try to understand what is the best solution for me and my future in F1.”

Zhou made his Formula 1 debut in 2022 with Alfa Romeo, after parting ways with the Alpine Academy, which had supported him in Formula 2, also providing him with the opportunity to carry out tests with older generation F1 cars, in addition to carrying out his first experiences in an FP1.

When asked about rumors linking him to a return to the French manufacturer, which could potentially have two vacant seats given that both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly have contracts expiring at the end of the year, Zhou admitted that the two parties they remained on good terms.

“I left Renault without arguing with anyone. In fact, I think it happened quite calmly, only because there was a seat available, and it was Alfa Romeo’s, so they left me free”, said the Chinese pilot.

“And this represented the end of my contract with their Academy, which allowed me to get to F1. So yes, I think the relationship is still good. And in terms of possibilities, I think there are. How many? This is not I can tell. It’s too early, but obviously I’m trying to understand what’s best for me.”

Zhou, who is the only Chinese driver to have raced in Formula 1, contested his first Chinese Grand Prix two weeks ago, when the Circus returned to Shanghai for the first time since 2019, with the entire paddock impressed by the great welcome that was given to the local idol.

When asked whether his impact on the growth of F1 in China has proven his worth as a driver, Zhou said he was “honoured” to be the first Chinese to race in his homeland, but then added: “I still need to demonstrate it on the track, I think this is the most important topic.”