Alpine F1 team bid farewell to Esteban Ocon this week, with no plans to extend his contract beyond 2024. Rumor has it that Pierre Gasly is also prepared to leave. The disappointing results from the Enstone-based team have done little to inspire confidence in the Frenchman. Alpine will need to recruit at least one new driver for the upcoming season, with Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu being a potential candidate.
Uncertain Future for Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu is currently driving for Sauber, the only team yet to score any points in the championship. However, his current contract expires at the end of this season. Sauber has already signed Nico Hülkenberg for the next two years, increasing the likelihood that Zhou may have to make way.
Sauber’s Transition to Audi
From 2026, Sauber will be taken over by Audi. It’s well-known that the Germans have their sights set on Carlos Sainz. There has been no talk of new contracts for the current drivers. Zhou Guanyu is also considering a transfer. “We’re keeping an eye on different options,” he said during the race weekend in Monaco. “In the meantime, I’m trying to perform as well as possible on the track.”
Zhou Guanyu and Alpine
If Zhou wants to stay in Formula 1, a transfer to Alpine seems the most likely. The French racing stable, due to its dramatic start to the season, will be unable to attract many top drivers. Moreover, Zhou Guanyu was a test driver for the Enstone team between 2019 and 2021. He undoubtedly has good relations with the Alpine staff.
For Alpine, the commercial value of Zhou Guanyu is particularly interesting. Despite his scoreless races in 2024, the driver brings a lot of sponsorship money. The Chinese driver enjoys great popularity in his home country, an important new market for Formula 1.
