Speculation about Sauber’s 2025 line-up has been ongoing for several weeks. Until now, most F1 news outlets have focused on Bottas, Colapinto and Bortoleto as the main contenders. However, Zhou Guanyu reveals that he’s still firmly in the race for a contract extension.
Zhou Guanyu reveals optimism about chances for 2025 Sauber deal
Due to his uncompetitive machinery, analysing Zhou’s 2024 campaign is a difficult task. Fundamentally, the Sauber C44 lacks the pace to fight for points.
His best results of the year was the season opener in Bahrain, when he put together a strong drive to finish as the ‘best of the rest’ in P11 – the closest Sauber have been to points since last year’s Qatar GP.
Due to Sauber’s poor pace, comparing the Sauber line-up is very difficult – at least outside of qualifying. Over one lap, Valtteri Bottas has enjoyed a comfortable edge over Zhou throughout the season.
Despite this, Zhou’s head-to-had against the Finn during race trim is far stronger. From the Chinese driver’s perspective, this will be a crucial data point to highlight in negotiations with Sauber.
Zhou gives update on Sauber negotiations
Speaking of contract talks, Zhou Guanyu has revealed that conversations are ongoing between his management and Mattia Binotto – Sauber’s Chief Technical Officer:
“We’re talking about it, and of course everything is in the hands of Mattia [Binotto] who is here this weekend – making further talks with my management team.
“Also having a look at the team’s instructions, to see where I need to improve for the future.
“For me, all I can say is I’m trying to do my job here – hopefully that can impress him and we’ll see how the future is.”
When asked if he believes staying on the gird next year is possible, Zhou gave a clear response:
“Yeah, of course. I still feel like it – I did a few talks with him already, and there are still opportunities. Which is good, it gives you good hopes.
“Obviously nothing is decided until everything is black and white. But yeah, I’m just going to focus on what’s happening right now and see how everything goes.”
Frustratingly for Zhou, he won’t have access to Sauber’s latest upgrades at this weekend’s American GP.
Only teammate Valtteri Bottas will run the latest version of the C44 in COTA, with Zhou only due to receive these new components at the Mexican GP.
Still, as Sauber continue postponing a final decision on 2025, the 25-year-old should not be overlooked as a contender.
