No, Guanyu Zhou is not finished in Formula 1. The Chinese in 68 Grands Prix with Sauber intends to return one day or another to the premier category. After three years spent in Hinwil (Switzerland), the 25-year-old driver was not renewed by the Swiss team, which preferred Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto for the 2025 season. Forced to remain on the sidelines in Formula 1 , the Shanghai native has no ambition to look elsewhere. If certain rumors associate him with a position of reserve driver among certain Top Teams – Ferrari and Red Bull in particular – Guanyu Zhou assures that he will not compete in another championship in 2025.
“Next year I have decided not to participate in another championship. I feel like with all the doors that could open, not just next year but the year after that, I want to make sure that in case there's a chance that I get back in for a race or not, I will be fully available to do it, so it is very important”explains the Chinese driver, who is aiming to return to Formula 1 as quickly as possible.
Zhou, a Hülkenberg-style design?
The ex-Sauber driver is not afraid of staying a full year without driving or competing, a risk which paid off for a certain… Nico Hülkenberg, future Sauber-Audi driver, a few seasons ago. After his departure from Renault at the end of 2019, the German remained a reserve driver for Racing Point / Aston Martin, participating in a few Grands Prix as a luxury joker during the Covid-19 period, before returning to a racing seat. holder in 2023 at Haas. Guanyu Zhou hopes to follow this same path and is not worried about being inactive for a season, if it puts him in a good position heading into 2026
“I also have the feeling that we have to maintain the dynamic of the competition, but even if I take this year off, I think everything will be fine, underlines the 25-year-old pilot. I think that with more than a year [sabbatique]we are starting to lose a little of this dynamic. So for me, I just want to make sure, for my next chapter and in a very happy place, that I can be fully aware that I have the opportunity to come back here on the grid, because I think I don't have not yet shown my full potential this year. I want to have another chance, if the opportunity presents itself. » Without forgetting that in addition to his experience, Guanyu Zhou has the double advantage of his nationality and his sponsors, which could tip the scales in his favor for a possible return in 2026…
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