The contracts for Zhou and his teammate, Valtteri Bottaswith the Sauber end at the end of the season. After the announcement that Nico Hülkenberg will join Sauber for several years from 2025, there will only be one place left in the Swiss team next year in the Formula 1.
Speaking about the latest developments, the Chinese driver, who is in his third season in F1, admitted that he is “looking at several options”, one of which is to remain with his current team. Despite this, the driver revealed that he is confident he will remain on the grid and that securing a long-term contract will be his priority.
“I always try to focus on what’s best for a good long-term project, which gives me a lot of motivation to continue. I feel comfortable enough to stay on the grid next year,” said Zhou, who will contest his 50th GP of F1 this weekend in Miami.
With the hiring of Hülkenberg, the Sauber organization took another step towards officially becoming the factory team of the Audi in 2026.
While the German driver’s early confirmation adds more dynamism to the racing market, Zhou insisted it will not affect how he approaches the remainder of the season.
“I think it’s still very early. Obviously, for us as drivers, it’s not an easy process, in the last few races, let’s say a driver is already taking over the seat for the next few years, but that doesn’t change my attitude much.”
“I’m going to keep trying to give my all on the track because I want to show people why I can do this for my future. That’s the most important thing. A lot can change in the driver market next year, so I think we’re looking at all looking at the options and trying to see what works best for me and my future in F1,” he added.
Zhou joined the then team Alfa Romeo for its debut season in 2022, after parting ways with Alpine Academywho supported him while he was in Formula 2, including giving him the opportunity to test old F1 cars and make his debut at GP weekends.
Asked about the rumors linking him to a return to the French manufacturer, which may have free vacancies, as the contracts for Esteban Ocon It is Pierre Gasly expire at the end of 2024, Zhou admitted that he still has a good relationship with Alpine.
“I didn’t leave Renault because we had a disagreement, I think everything went very smoothly, it was just because there was only one vacant seat, which was Sauber/Alfa Romeo, so they let me go,” said the Chinese driver.
“And that was the end of my contract, so to speak, with the academy that took me to F1. So, yes, I think the connection is still there. And in terms of opportunities, I think I have a chance. But to what extent ? I don’t know. It’s still too early to say. But I’m certainly analyzing what could be best for me.”, assured the pilot.
