Zhou Guanyu is still searching for a contract to keep him on next year’s F1 grid. Like most drivers in the midfield, he is waiting for Carlos Sainz to choose his team for 2025. Until then, Zhou is working to position himself in the best way possible. Considering the volume of drivers in the market, the 25-year-old is open to a temporary role as a reserve driver.
Sauber has already confirmed Nico Hulkenberg as one of their drivers for 2025. However, there are plenty of questions about who will partner the German next season.
Up until now, there have been no indications that Zhou – or teammate Valtteri Bottas – are part of Sauber’s future plans. Because of this, the Chinese driver has explored the alternatives available.
Zhou has been linked to different teams across the field at various points this year. Alpine and Haas are among those understood to have held preliminary talks with the Chinese driver. That said, Zhou is not seen as a front-runner for any available seats.
Because of this, he must be open to any opportunities to stay in the F1 paddock.
Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber ; 2024 Canadian Grand Prix, Formula One World Championship
Zhou open to being a reserve driver – but with one condition
When asked about the possibility of taking a reserve driver role, Zhou was open to this path:
“I mean, if it comes to the case, obviously, you need to see exactly where the whole project [is going].
“Because I think to be a reserve driver would be interesting if they can promise a seat is available for the coming seasons.
“I think that would still be something I can take, but otherwise, you need to see exactly where I want to, of course, be heading over.
“Because I don’t want to be, of course, once you take that role, some drivers never come back, which is not the case I wanted to be at.”
Like many drivers on the field, the next few rounds heading into the summer break will be critical.
As evidenced by Carlos Sainz’s situation over the last few months, dynamics in the driver market can change very quickly. Because of this, every performance matters. Even one result can shift the perception of a driver’s abilities.
Moving forward, Zhou must put together the necessary performances to stand out in such a competitive market.
