China’s F1 star Zhou Guanyu aims to stay on grid as reports link Carlos Sainz to Sauber
- Zhou’s contract with Sauber expires at the end of the season and Spaniard Sainz is leaving Ferrari
Zhou Guanyu said his top priority was staying on the Formula One grid next season, as the Chinese driver’s contract with Sauber draws closer to finishing without a new offer in sight.
The 25-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave the Switzerland-based team, with Carlos Sainz linked to a move away from Ferrari. Sainz’s position with the Scuderia was ended when the Italian manufacturer signed Lewis Hamilton for next season.
Zhou’s struggles on the track over the past several races have done little to help his cause with Sauber, who have already signed Nico Hulkenberg for 2025.
“On my side, let’s say, with the options still available, of course, fair to say I’m talking to all the options and trying to figure out what is the best together,” Zhou said ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
“And of course, the main priority remains, try to stay on the grid for next season. But yeah, further details, nothing has been confirmed. So we need a little bit longer, of course, to be understanding exactly where I’m heading off or staying in the future.”
Zhou added that one of those options could from the Geely Group, a Chinese automobile company of which he is an ambassador.