Zhou Guanyu didn’t have the easiest Formula 1 season in 2024, struggling with the car and only scoring precious points in one race out of twenty four. With his Sauber contract expiring this year, he was set to look for other options of the grid. Unfortunately, it seems the Chinese driver didn’t manage to secure another seat for 2025 and the race in Abu Dhabi was his last for the time being.
“I mean, it’s a mixed emotion,” Zhou spoke about his feelings on Sunday.
“It feels like it’s been such a long season for me. But the last three races actually went quite quick. Just because I was really enjoying it out there,” he admitted.
After a long run of disappointment and failures for not only him, but also the whole team, Zhou and Sauber had at least a little bit of a turn around at the very end of the season. With new updates, the 25-year-old scored Sauber’s only points of the whole year in Qatar. He finished in P8 after a great drive, bring home four points and the fan votes title of the driver of the day.
Coming into Abu Dhabi with a positive mindset after that, he summarized the last race, finishing P13 after Stroll’s penalty:
“Today certainly is a little bit more difficult. We didn’t really have the pace for top ten. And the slow start compromised the race a bit.
Goodbye to the team and teammate Valtteri Bottas
“Great to score some points for the team at least. And then now, of course, try to see what’s next chapter for me. But as well as, you know, thanks to the team for the last three years.”
Zhou has been part of the Sauber team, formerly known as Alfa Romeo, for his whole Formula 1 career. From happy moments like qualifying fifth in the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2023 and having his first home race in China this year, to sad ones like the many retirements, mechanical issue or his terrifying accident during the 2022 British Grand Prix.
“And also, of course, Valtteri [Bottas] will be missed. He’s my teammate. So hopefully in the future, we can be racing together,” Zhou also thanked his teammate of three years who is also leaving Sauber without another seat for 2025.
Zhou on his F1 future and hopes
Even when it’s clear that the Chinese driver won’t have a full-time seat next year, he isn’t planning on leaving the sport or even the paddock. Hinting on multiple opportunities, possibly as a reserve or test driver, Zhou is determined to focus on the future and a seat for 2026.
“Yeah, you probably will see my face [in] this paddock,” he admitted. “But which colour? Like I always said since Vegas – I don’t know. Nothing has been decided.“
Recently, there were numerous rumors going around about Zhou joining Ferrari as their reserve driver – which would make sense given the fact he was previously part of the Ferrari Driver Academy in his junior years. Though just like he said – nothing decided and confirmed yet.
“You know, there’s potential of some interesting different teams. And, yeah, we’re going for it. I want to make sure I’m happy in whatever place I am.
“And then we can work here on a comeback back on the grid for a drive. Because that’s all I want to do.
“You know, you don’t want to keep sitting around. So everything, whatever I do, I’m making sure I’m in a place that I feel promising for the future. And then, hopefully, a drive for 2026,” said Zhou on his F1 future.
Chinese Grand Prix renewed until 2030
Recently, it was announced that the Shanghai International Circuit will remain on the calendar until 2030. This year, it made its first appearance after a few years out due to the pandemic. For Zhou, who remains the only Chinese driver to ever race in Formula 1, this was of course a special weekend. First home race, enormous support from the local fans and even though he unfortunately didn’t score any points there he got his special spot on the finishing grid.
“I think it’s great news for 2030, renewed [until then]. I think I enjoyed my time there and enjoyed actually the track. After first actually time driving there, it’s a nice circuit. And then the fans have been very special out there,” Zhou commented.
“So, like I said, when that’s renewed, for me, I think it’s even more important to hopefully finding a drive. I feel like my time in Formula 1 doesn’t come to an end just yet.
“And yeah, I’ll be still, you know, going around here, fighting for a seat, for a comeback. So, hopefully, then, once I come back, [you’ll have another] Chinese Grand Prix happening.
“I really loved the moment we had this year and I wanted to do more.
“But, firstly, let’s see what’s the next chapter. Let’s see where I can end up and then fighting for a drive,” concluded Zhou on his F1 future.
