Zhou Guanyu is still searching for a new F1 contract. The 25-year-old is one of many drivers without a deal for 2025 as off-track negotiations intensify. As it stands, there are relatively few options for Zhou to stay on the grid.
An underwhelming season for Sauber and Zhou Guanyu
The first race of the season was a promising one for Zhou. He finished in 11th place, the unofficial ‘best of the rest’ behind the top 5 teams.
In a race without retirements from the top five teams, the Chinese driver showed good pace. Sauber also seemed competitive enough to compete at the front of the midfield.
Unfortunately for Zhou, the situation changed quickly. Not only did persistent pit-stop issues emerge for the team, but the C44 lost pace compared to its rivals.
After a solid enough weekend in China and Japan, Sauber slowly lost ground to Haas, VCARB and even Alpine.
Zhou’s performances have also left much to be desired. Aside from a solid showing on home soil in Shanghai, there have not been many highlights for him this season.
His qualifying head-to-head against teammate Valtteri Bottas is extremely one-sided in the Finn’s favour.
The British GP was the first time Zhou out-qualified the 10-time race winner this year. With so many drivers fighting for their careers in the midfield, this record is certainly not convincing.
On the radar at Haas and Alpine, but not a leading contender
The 25-year-old has been linked to a few teams in recent months. Haas and Alpine are two outfits that are understood to have the Sauber driver on their radar.
With that said, Zhou is not at the top of either team’s shortlist. At Alpine, Carlos Sainz and Jack Doohan are seen as front-runners to drive alongside Pierre Gasly.
Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon and Kevin Magnussen are the drivers most strongly linked to a new Haas deal.
Of course, this does not automatically rule Zhou out of contention.
What this information does reveal, however, is that he must deliver a sequence of big performances to improve his chances of staying in F1.
