Formula 1: Valtteri Bottas goes into bat to keep Zhou Guanyu at Alfa Romeo

With Alfa stepping away from Sauber next year, and Audi not coming on board until 2026, there is an element of uncertainty about Zhou Guanyu

‘I think Zhou has been a good fit for the team,’ says Bottas. ‘I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to continue’

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Valtteri Bottas says Zhou Guanyu has been a good fit for the Alfa Romeo team. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:15am, 3 Sep 2022

Valtteri Bottas has backed teammate Zhou Guanyu to keep his job next season, in what will be Alfa Romeo’s last in Formula 1.

While Bottas has a multi-year deal, his Chinese counterpart has yet to have a confirmed drive for 2023, and the battle for the remaining few spots on the grid is only likely to intensify as the year winds down.

Zhou, though, has impressed in his rookie season, scoring five points so far while continuing to challenge for the top 10 in qualifying on a regular basis.

Alfa Romeo’s Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas during the first free practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix. Photo: AFP

But with Alfa stepping away from Sauber next year, and Audi not coming on board until 2026, there is an element of uncertainty hanging over the team.

“It would be nice to know [who my teammate will be] but there’s no rush or stress about it,” Bottas said on the eve of this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

“I think Zhou has been a good fit for the team and at this moment I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to continue.”

Alfa Romeo have struggled on the track in recent weeks, they are still significantly better off than in the two previous seasons. Photo: AFP

The pair are in their first year driving together, having replaced the retiring Kimi Raikkonen, and Antonio Giovianzzi.