Zhou Guanyu and his team are working to secure a seat in F1, with reports suggesting that Haas is an option.
After a strong performance in Bahrain to claim P11, Zhou Guanyu has failed to take the next step and score points. Sauber still suffers from a variety of limitations, ranging from a lack of pace to slow pit stops. The largely uncompetitive nature of the C44 makes it difficult for either Zhou or Bottas to make their case in the F1 market. However, there seem to be options available to the Chinese driver.
Over the last two seasons, Zhou and teammate Valtteri Bottas have performed at a solid level. Last season, for example, their well-executed race in Qatar lifted Sauber from 10th to 9th in the standings. The year prior, the Hinwil-based team clung onto an impressive 6th in the standings.
Despite this, Sauber is now a very different team. Audi now has complete control of the team, with the German manufacturer looking to impose itself on decision-making. The arrival of Nico Hulkenberg last month was the culmination of Audi’s long-standing interest in his services. The 36-year-old has confirmed that CEO Andreas Seidl was central in this eventual agreement.
It is well-established that Carlos Sainz, among others, is a target for Sauber. This means that Zhou, whilst theoretically an option, must consider alternatives.
Zhou’s camp enters talks with Haas
Haas is yet to confirm their lineup for 2025. Oliver Bearman is widely seen as near-guaranteed to earn an F1 contract. Both Ferrari and Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu are very enthusiastic about the British driver’s project.
Up until recently, it was generally assumed that Magnussen would earn a contract extension. However, a series of messy performances in Miami and Shanghai – in addition to his general pace deficit to Hulkenberg – have damaged his chances.
As a result, Haas is considering alternatives. Among them is Zhou Guanyu, according to racingnews365. The last two years have earned Zhou the reputation of a solid, though perhaps not sensational, driver. He is a safe pair of hands and can be relied upon to perform at a reasonable level.
His commercial value is also significant, evidenced most recently by his support at this year’s Chinese GP.
These factors make Zhou a valuable asset in the market. Haas is understood to be in talks with the 24-year-old, seeing him as a feasible option for next season.
As ever, Haas will take its time before making a decision. They will reach a verdict only later in the year, meaning that several candidates are still emerging.
