Formula One: China’s Zhou Guanyu open to leaving Stake F1 Team in search of stability, as Sauber readies for Audi takeover
- Zhou is one of 13 drivers on F1 grid who is out of contract at the end of the season
- Sauber expected to seek another transition year in 2025 ahead of Audi joining sport the year after
Zhou Guanyu said he was open to switching Formula One teams next year in search of a multi-year contract, rather than staying with Sauber on a short-term deal.
The 2024 season may only be two races old, but F1’s game of musical chairs is already in full swing, and Zhou is one of 13 of the 20 drivers out of contract at the end of the year.
But, while his Sauber team is set to glam-up to become Audi’s works outfit from 2026, it’s likely the squad will opt for another transition season before the German manufacturer takes over and shakes things up.
And ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, Zhou, racing in his third season of F1, said he was looking for a chance to grow as a driver, not just fill a seat on the grid.
“Obviously it depends on the offers we receive, and what the long-term plan is,” Zhou told the Post. “As much as I would love to stay with Stake F1 Team [Sauber], I feel like a long-term contract is something I’m going to chase, because having three years here as a rookie is a quite a nice thing to have.