Zhou Guanyu Open to Alpine Return in 2025 as Formula 1 Future Remains Uncertain
As the 2023 Formula 1 season unfolds, Zhou Guanyu is among the numerous drivers scrambling to secure their prospects beyond the ongoing campaign. With his current contract with Sauber coming to an end this term, the Chinese driver has revealed that he would be open to returning to Alpine in 2025 as he assesses the available options to preserve his place in Formula 1.
Sauber’s decision to acquire Nico Hulkenberg from Haas for 2025 has ensured that either Zhou or team-mate Valtteri Bottas will be vacating their place with the side. However, the Hinwil-based squad is also pursuing outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz as it continues to build towards morphing into a works Audi entrant from 2025. With Sainz also embroiled in talks with Williams, though, Zhou has suggested that he would be prepared to remain with Sauber next season should that opening arise.
“I think the other [Sauber] seat is still available, so we still have an option,” Zhou said in Canada. “And of course, with Alpine I always had a very good connection in the past because that’s where really helped me to have the chance maybe before Formula 1.”
Zhou has insisted that he has no desire to consider a third driver role at this stage and has his sights set on extending his permanent Formula 1 career into a fourth season.
“I don’t want to be the reserve, I don’t want to take a year off,” he underlined. “I don’t think at this kind of age of my career, I don’t really want to take a year off because in Formula 1, when you take a year off, it’s difficult to come back.”
The Formula 1 standings are set to be significantly impacted by the driver market developments, and Zhou’s future remains a significant talking point. As the Formula 1 calendar continues to unfold, the 24-year-old is keeping all options open, including a potential return to Alpine.
“Nothing has been confirmed, but I feel like there should be a spot for me in the future on this grid, but I just don’t know where,” he said.
With the midfield representing an “unknown” with several drivers clambering to attain the last remaining places, Zhou believes he has a strong chance of securing a seat for next year.
“Nico joined this team but [this] was already known because [of] Audi and also him coming from Germany and also having good results recently, so he kind of deserved one seat at this place,” Zhou accepted. “And then the rest is mainly the other teams, to be honest, so that midfield is still very much unknown for everyone with a few seat spots available for everyone to grab at.”
As the Formula 1 news continues to evolve, Zhou’s focus remains on securing a permanent drive for the 2025 season. With the driver market set to be a major talking point in the coming months, the Chinese driver’s future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – he’s determined to remain in the sport’s top tier.
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