{"id":25427,"date":"2024-10-18T10:00:21","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T14:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=25427"},"modified":"2024-10-18T10:08:58","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T14:08:58","slug":"zhou-guanyu-reveals-further-talks-with-sauber-are-ongoing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/10\/18\/zhou-guanyu-reveals-further-talks-with-sauber-are-ongoing\/","title":{"rendered":"Zhou Guanyu reveals “further talks” with Sauber are ongoing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Speculation about Sauber’s 2025 line-up has been ongoing for several weeks. Until now, most F1 news outlets have focused on Bottas, Colapinto<\/a> and Bortoleto<\/a> as the main contenders. However, Zhou Guanyu reveals that he’s still firmly in the race for a contract extension.<\/p>\n

Zhou Guanyu reveals optimism about chances for 2025 Sauber deal<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

His best results of the year was the season opener in Bahrain<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Due to Sauber’s poor pace, comparing the Sauber line-up is very difficult – at least outside of qualifying. Over one lap, Valtteri Bottas<\/a> has enjoyed a comfortable edge over Zhou throughout the season.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Zhou gives update on Sauber negotiations<\/h4>\n

Speaking of contract talks, Zhou Guanyu has revealed that conversations are ongoing between his management and Mattia Binotto<\/a> – Sauber’s Chief Technical Officer:<\/p>\n

“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.<\/em><\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>