Of all the drivers working to earn their places in F1 for 2025 and beyond, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas are arguably under the most pressure. The Swiss-based team is still defining its vision for the future in a key transitional period.
Sauber (whose title sponsorship is already generating plenty of confusion) will be a key aspect of this year’s transfer market. In a relatively quiet year in terms of transfers, they were among the only teams whose driver pairing was brought into question.
With Valtteri Bottas securing a multi-year deal upon joining the team in 2022, it was Zhou whose future was under scrutiny.
Early in the season, it seemed probable that the Chinese driver would earn a contract extension. A one-year deal was expected, given that teams have been positioning themselves to capitalise on the talent available this season.
Sauber to evaluate 2025 options
However, with the summer break initially deemed the likely date for an announcement, there was silence from the Hinwil-based team. This was despite Zhou’s declarations that agreeing on a deal in August was the priority.
A deal was eventually signed for the 2024 season, but not before speculation began to mount. According to numerous reports, Nico Hulkenberg and even Felipe Drugovich were considered viable options.
It was only after Haas blocked a move for the 36-year-old that Sauber resigned to retain their current lineup. Whilst this gives Zhou another opportunity this year, it certainly does not give him any breathing space.
Sauber will almost certainly change at least one of their current line-up for 2025, meaning one driver must establish themselves.
On paper, it is not impossible that Bottas and Zhou are retained for another season. With that said, this seems a largely unlikely scenario amidst the incoming volatility of the market.
Regardless, the next few months can provide some answers into the direction that Sauber and Audi will follow.
Author: Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
