Is Zhou Guanyu on the Verge of an Epic Alpine Reunion in 2025?
The Formula 1 scenery is always changing, and Sauber's Zhou Guanyu finds himself at the heart of the evolving drama. The Chinese driver has made no secret of his desire to remain a staple in Formula 1, even as his current contract with Sauber races towards its conclusion. With the team signing Nico Hulkenberg from Haas for the 2025 season, it appears likely that either Zhou or his teammate Valtteri Bottas will be stepping aside. Adding more fuel to the speculation, Sauber is also reportedly targeting Ferrari's outgoing driver, Carlos Sainz, in their ambitious bid to evolve into a full-fledged Audi works team by 2025.
So, where does Zhou fit into this puzzle? As Sainz engages in discussions with Williams, Zhou has expressed that staying with Sauber remains an option for him if the chance materializes. However, with no guarantees, the driver is also eyeing a potential return to Alpine. During an interview in Canada, he revealed that a return to Alpine is definitely on his radar. 'I think the other [Sauber] seat is still available, so we still have an option,' Zhou shared. 'And of course, with Alpine, I've always had a very good connection in the past.'
His past with Alpine is more than a mere fleeting phase; it's where his talents were cultivated and where he emerged as a Formula 1 contender. He remains grateful to Alfa Romeo and Sauber for giving him his first opportunity in the top tier of motorsports, but he is also realistic about exploring every feasible avenue to sustain his career. 'I'm open to other teams or open to discussions about my future,' Zhou added. 'Nothing has been confirmed, but I feel like there should be a spot for me in the future on this grid.'
Zhou's ambition is clear—he wants a full-time seat and has no desire to revert to a third driver or reserve role. 'I don’t want to be the reserve, I don’t want to take a year off,' he asserted. 'At this stage of my career, taking a year off would make it challenging to come back, given the evolving nature of Formula 1 vehicles and the necessity for constant adaptation.' His sights are fixed on securing a seat for next year, and a reserve role is something he'd only contemplate as a last resort.
Zhou stands by Sauber's rationale for signing the seasoned Hulkenberg, acknowledging Audi’s previous aim to have a German driver. 'Nico joined this team, which was already known because of Audi, and also due to his recent impressive results,' he admitted. However, the rest of the driver lineup remains in flux, with several other talents jockeying for a limited number of seats in the midfield.
'The midfield is still very much an unknown for everyone,' Zhou admitted. 'There are a few seats available, and it's going to be a scramble to grab them.' As he weights his choices carefully, Zhou remains optimistic about taking every opportunity that comes his way. With numerous variables in play, the upcoming seasons promise to be as unpredictable as they are exciting.
His journey is far from over—in fact, it's just getting started. Whether he stays with Sauber, finds a home at Alpine, or ends up surprising everyone by joining another team altogether, Zhou Guanyu’s determination to remain in Formula 1 is unwavering. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how the dominoes fall.