Zhou Guanyu's aspirations for a seat in the 2025 Formula One season are becoming increasingly uncertain as Sauber's team principal, Alessandro Bravi, has indicated that Valtteri Bottas is the preferred candidate for the upcoming season. Bottas, who is currently in his third season with Sauber, is considered 'top of our list' as the team prepares for its transition to Audi in 2026. This shift in team dynamics comes as Sauber has struggled this season, failing to score any points, with Zhou finishing no better than 18th in recent races [70b99365].
Nico Hulkenberg has already joined Sauber, further complicating Zhou's position within the team. Bravi has stated that while the team is evaluating potential drivers, there is no immediate rush to make a decision. The assessment process will consider both short-term and long-term strategies as they prepare for the future [70b99365]. Zhou has acknowledged the possibility of losing his seat but remains hopeful for a return to F1, indicating his desire to continue competing at the highest level despite the challenges he faces [70b99365].
In the context of the current F1 season, Zhou's performance has not met expectations, and the pressure is mounting as the team looks to improve its standings. The uncertainty surrounding his future highlights the competitive nature of F1, where driver contracts and performances are constantly under scrutiny. As the 2025 season approaches, the decisions made by Sauber will be crucial not only for Zhou's career but also for the team's overall strategy as it prepares for a new era under Audi's ownership [70b99365].