Guanyu Zhou is determined that losing his seat at Sauber will not mean the end of his Formula 1 career.
Sauber and Audi have decided not to renew the contracts of Zhou and Valtteri Bottas at the end of a difficult season for the Swiss team in 2024.
Since losing his seat, Zhou – the first Chinese driver on the grid – has been exploring the possibilities of remaining in the F1 paddock as a reserve driver.
He has been linked with Ferrari, but the Maranello-based team has so far – weakly – denied any plans to recruit Zhou. The possibility was even raised a few months ago that Zhou would end up at Red Bull, with his powerful Chinese sponsors helping to fund a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program.
And ultimately it is the Red Bull track which could be the most concrete for the Chinese.
Until now both Red Bull teams (Red Bull Racing and Racing Bulls) have been reluctant to test old Formula 1 cars because Honda demands a lot of money for the supply of engines and personnel. That could change with Zhou’s money.
-Zhou would also serve as an experienced reserve driver for both Red Bull F1 teams, given that the in-house option, Arvid Lindblad, is only 17 years old and therefore inexperienced.
“I have decided not to race in another series this year because there are so many doors in F1 that could be opened, not only in 2025 but also in 2026,” Zhou said recently.
“I want to make sure that if there is an opportunity, I can be there. If the opportunity presents itself, I definitely want to get back on the grid.”
Swiss
