Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he is “discussing a number
of options” to remain in the F1 paddock after being dropped by Sauber for the
F1 2025 season.
Sauber,
who will morph into the Audi F1 team in 2026, confirmed their driver lineup for
the F1 2025 season on Tuesday, announcing the signing of Gabriel Bortoleto
as Nico
Hulkenberg‘s team-mate.
Zhou Guanyu has several ‘options’ after Audi F1 confirm
F1 2025 driver pairing
It means Zhou and team-mate Valtteri Bottas are almost
certain to be left without a seat for next season, with the only remaining
question marks over the F1 2025 grid hanging over the two Red Bull-affiliated
teams.
Zhou became the first full-time Chinese driver in F1 history
when he joined Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2022, claiming three points finishes
across his debut season to help the team secure sixth place in the
Constructors’ standings – the Swiss-based outfit’s best result since 2012.
However, Zhou has struggled to kick on over the last two
years, with his last points finish coming at the Qatar Grand Prix in October
2023.
Former Ferrari and Alpine junior Zhou, who is known to bring
significant sponsorship, has been linked with remaining in F1 in a reserve
driver role.
And he has confirmed that “a number of options” are on the
table to remain in the sport in some capacity in F1 2025.
In a short statement, he wrote: “I will be leaving the Stake
F1 Team Kick Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.
“I would like to thank all of the fans for their continued
support. You have been fantastic and you continue to inspire me.
“I am immensely proud to represent my country as the first
ever Chinese Formula 1 driver. I hope that my racing continues to inspire
others who are following my story.
“I am happy to have already achieved many things under
difficult conditions in Formula 1, including scoring points in my first race,
fastest lap and some memorable battles throughout the grid.
“Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all,
but I want to look forward.
“I am positive about the future and I am now totally focused
on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of.
“I’m now discussing a number of options to stay in the
Formula 1 paddock, will update to you all soon.”
In a separate statement published by Sauber, Zhou
added: “I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully
committed to finishing the season in style. I am grateful to the team for
giving me a chance in Formula 1: this is not an easy sport for rookies, but the
team has allowed me to grow so much over these three years.
“China, earlier this season, was without doubt a highlight, but so many moments, both in public and behind the scenes, are what I am going to remember from the last three years.
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