Guanyu Zhou’s future in the racing grid remains uncertain. Sauber has recently opted for a new partnership with Nico Hülkenberg, leaving the second driver’s spot open. Whether the Swiss racing team will extend its contract with the Chinese driver is still up in the air. Zhou, however, is open to any contract, with Alpine being a potential destination.
Motorsport Week asked Guanyu Zhou ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix if he was interested in a new challenge with Alpine. The 25-year-old driver served as a test driver for the Enstone team from 2019 to 2021. Naturally, he is one of the main options to strengthen the French team from 2025 onwards. “I still have a lot of contact with Alpine,” Zhou responded. “They have greatly helped me in my journey to Formula 1.”
“Of course, I am also grateful to Sauber,” he continued. Zhou joined Sauber (then Alfa Romeo) in 2022. After nearly three seasons in Formula 1, his contract expires this year. “I believe there is definitely a spot on the grid for me,” he confidently stated. “I just don’t know where yet. I certainly don’t want to be a reserve driver anymore, let alone take a year off to do something else. That would only make it harder to come back.”
Nico Hülkenberg’s Future with Sauber
Zhou understands Sauber’s decision to sign Nico Hülkenberg. The team, which will be taken over by Audi from 2026, is betting on the future with the 36-year-old German. “I had already expected that they would sign him (Hülkenberg),” explained the Chinese driver. “He is, of course, from Germany and he has been achieving good results recently. He has more than earned that seat.”
Guanyu Zhou’s Commercial Value to Alpine
Aside from Guanyu Zhou’s three years of experience, Alpine also benefits from his commercial value. Despite his scoreless races in 2024, the driver brings a lot of sponsors with him. The Chinese driver enjoys great popularity in his home country, an important new market for Formula 1. Reportedly, he is worth about 30 million dollars in sponsorship money.
