F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is optimistic that his Sauber team will be able to replicate its 2022 performances this coming year.
As the former Alfa Romeo team, which ended its partnership with the Italian car outlet in 2023, battled for midfield domination with the C43, Zhou managed just six points in his second season of F1, matching his total from his first year.
Sauber has already made a number of changes to its technical department in preparation for its Audi revamp, the most notable of which being the September recruitment of James Key, a former member of McLaren, as Technical Director.
Since gaining experience has brought him closer to his Finnish teammate than he was two years ago, the Chinese driver is confident the squad can return to its 2022 performance levels.
“The trends in the development so far are still in line with what we have been expecting,” Zhou said.
“Hopefully the pre-season preparation, including the three days of testing, will allow us to set a better direction for the whole season.”
Photo credits: Sauber
“As the personnel at the team’s headquarters, especially in the technical department, are constantly being added and adjusted, we hope to create a better and more complete team. “
It’ll be a transition season for the Swiss team, with Audi set to join from 2026 and the new generation of engines.
“I have my trust in the team and feel that this year we can get back to the performance level we had in my first season.”
Zhou expanded on the reasons behind Sauber’s 2023 unsuccessful campaign and on the steps taken to ensure 2024 will be a better year:
“Actually, around the summer break of the 2023 season, our direction (of the development) was already clear – where does the car lack in grip.”
“First of all, in low temperatures or when the track had less grip, we often had less margin to improve in terms of tyre temperatures than other teams, so we couldn’t deliver the performance in the first and second sector.”
“Secondly, there were some uncertainties with the car, such as correcting in the corners more frequently than in the 2022 season, with some unexpected oversteer or understeer.
“These are things that we have been given feedback to James.”
The C44 will be unveiled in London on February 5th by Sauber, who will compete as the Stake F1 Team in 2024.
Furthermore, since Formula 1 hasn’t visited China since 2019, Zhou will finally get the opportunity to compete in a home race this year. He has never raced before at the Shanghai International Circuit, not even during his earlier feeder series career.
“I’m definitely happy to have my home race in Shanghai. I haven’t raced or tested there, but to be able to do it at home makes me look forward to it,” he said.
“It was a little shame that I’ve been racing in F1 for the past two years [without the Chinese GP], but finally I can fulfil this little wish in 2024 to race in my hometown.”
Zhou hopes to contribute more to his team in the upcoming season in addition to stepping up the pace and racking up more scores.
“I hope I will be able to play a more important role in the team, either during the race or on the race weekends,” he said.
“I will give my feedback about the car and all other aspects and help the team find a better-developing path.”
