Could we see Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou in Formula 1 beyond 2025? It might seem unlikely, but there are compelling reasons why these two drivers might continue to grace the premier class of motorsport for at least another year.
The Bottas Conundrum: Teams Think Differently
Ask any Formula 1 enthusiast or reporter, and the answer will likely be clear: Bottas’s time in F1 seems to be winding down. His past performances have been lackluster since his transition to Alfa Romeo, and it might be time for him to make way for a new generation. However, team perspectives differ, as evidenced by the continued faith in seasoned drivers like Fernando Alonso, Daniel Ricciardo, Kevin Magnussen, and Nico Hülkenberg, often at the expense of young talents like Felipe Drugovich and Liam Lawson. What about Lewis Hamilton? Well, being a seven-time world champion gives him a different status, a privilege Alonso can relate to with his two titles.
Bottas’s experience and routine have always been valued, especially given his successful years as a wingman at top team Mercedes. However, his continued presence in F1, coupled with Zhou’s millions of dollars, has already blocked the entry of Theo Pourchaire into F1.
Experience: A Valued Asset in Formula 1
Regardless of how you look at it, it’s clear that teams place a high value on experience. This is understandable, given the importance of routine in the development of a racing car. Experience can be crucial in squeezing out those extra tenths of a second, both immediately after the introduction of new regulations and in the final stages of a ‘cycle’. However, even for seasoned drivers, there comes an end, including for Bottas. He is not a Hamilton or Alonso. After 2024, it would seem to be ‘end of message’ for the Finn. But it’s becoming increasingly risky to bet on that.
Audi’s Struggles and Bottas’ Future
The likelihood of Bottas staying on is growing, according to increasing chatter in the paddock and beyond. Audi has definitively missed out on their dream driver Carlos Sainz, while even Esteban Ocon preferred to move to Haas. And yes, Hülkenberg has already been secured for his experience. But things are not going well with Audi’s F1 project. According to insiders, executives have been meddling too much with the technical side, and it’s costing much more than anticipated. This is also reportedly why Zhou’s contract was extended last year despite his underperformance: the extra tens of millions are a welcome addition, even for Audi.
Things are not going as planned, several top executives have already been replaced (including Andreas Seidl), progress is slow, the current Sauber is sluggish, and it’s expensive. To get things back on track, well-known names like Mattia Binotto (ex-Ferrari) and Jonathan Wheatley (Red Bull) have been brought in. And what else fits this picture? An experienced driver, especially one who has gained experience with a multiple constructors’ champion like Mercedes. Bottas, indeed. Whether it’s due to a lack of better options or not, don’t be surprised if he stays with Sauber, now Audi. Even if it’s just for a year. (Or could they be secretly considering Sebastian Vettel in a bizarre twist – more on that in our podcast this week…)
The Zhou Issue: Money Talks
No results, no remarkable overtaking maneuvers, no signs of improvement. Yes, Guanyu Zhou occasionally showed some promise in Formula 1. But if you’re primarily known for a massive crash (Silverstone), then there’s something lacking in your performance. Judged and found wanting, no seat in 2025. And yet, as with teammate Bottas, things could turn out very differently.
Is Guanyu Zhou’s Future with Sauber and Audi?
It seems unlikely that Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou will continue with Sauber, now affiliated with Audi. The communication during training and races alone indicates that Zhou and the Swiss team are ready to part ways. A few years ago, tens of millions in Chinese sponsorship money helped Zhou secure a spot with Sauber, then known as Alfa Romeo. Although this financial backing also assisted in extending his contract, the allure of the money seems to have worn off. It is more likely that Audi will choose Bottas over Zhou to partner with Hülkenberg.
Zhou’s Potential Future in F1
Why might Zhou still be driving in F1 in 2025? Because Alpine is still looking for a driver. And a ‘little’ money is certainly welcome at the French racing stable. Alpine is in a difficult position: they have recently decided not to develop their own engines in the future. They will likely use a power source from Mercedes, which will cost money. While they could manage without Zhou, every little bit helps in France. Furthermore, Zhou has a connection with the team: he was part of Renault’s junior program for many years. The French trained him to be an F1 driver, but ultimately had no place for Zhou. He decided to take his sponsorship money and look elsewhere.
Is Zhou Good Enough for Alpine?
Is he good enough for Alpine, which, like Audi, missed out on Sainz? No. Alpine would be better off securing Bottas than Zhou if they’re in a sporting slump, one might think. Or they could give junior driver Jack Doohan a chance. But if there’s one thing Alpine doesn’t often do, it’s make the right decision. So don’t be surprised if Zhou, with his Chinese sponsorship money, ends up consistently occupying one of the back spots on the 2025 starting grid with his childhood love, Alpine. With the French, you never know what they’re going to decide.
