Zhou Guanyu generally defied expectations in his first two F1 campaigns. The 25-year-old performed at a solid level, showing a similar pace compared to teammate Valtteri Bottas. However, the last three months have been very disappointing for Zhou, who has yet to outqualify his more experienced teammate. Thankfully for the Chinese driver, there are still options available to him ahead of 2025.
The 2024 season actually began quite reasonably for the Sauber driver. He finished a very respectable 11th place in Bahrain, a race where none of the top-five teams suffered retirements.
Based on this early result, Zhou seemed likely to secure points before too long. However, the #24 car has yet to come close in the eight race weekends since.
Since reaching SQ3 in China, the 25-year-old has been fairly anonymous. Arguably, the last two race weekends have been Zhou’s worst. He spent all three days in Monaco and Canada at the very back, lacking the pace to even contend for Q2.
Because of this alarming gap to teammate Valtteri Bottas, Sauber have committed to understanding the root cause of this problem. Next week in Spain should shed some light on whether Zhou’s poor form is here to stay.
Press Conference
Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber; 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Formula One World Championship
Haas and Alpine are options, but Zhou needs results
Zhou must find his best form before the summer break. There are Grand Prix to contend before the end of July, which will be critical as drivers and teams go deeper into contract negotiations for 2025.
If Zhou can score some points and outperform Bottas at a few race weekends, there are viable paths forward.
The 25-year-old has the luxury of significant financial backing. He brings substantial sponsorship with him, something that has reportedly put his foot in the door in negotiations with Haas.
Should Haas look at Zhou’s performances more favourably, the money he brings can boost his chances. Although Esteban Ocon is the favourite to join Oliver Bearman next season (the driver closest to signing a Haas deal), the Sauber driver is still in contention.
Haas will not rush their decision, so there is time for Zhou to string together results and become a more attractive proposition.
Elsewhere on the F1 grid, Alpine is also a possible destination for 2025. As it stands, Jack Doohan is the front-runner to replace Esteban Ocon at the French outfit.
However, his promotion is certainly not guaranteed. Alpine are still contemplating their options. Despite being a manufacturer team, they could also be influenced by Zhou’s financial firepower.
This move becomes especially viable if Pierre Gasly leaves the team. His continuation at the Enstone-based team is certainly not guaranteed.
If Gasly has no alternatives, he will obviously stay put. That said, his loyalty to Alpine is not so strong that other paths are immediately discounted. Therefore, Zhou’s chances of joining Bruno Famin’s team are at least reasonable – since at least one seat in the team will be available.
