Zhou confident to stay in Formula One after his exit from Sauber
Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu is confident that he will find an opportunity to stay in Formula One after departing the Hinwil-based outfit at the end of the current season.
The Hinwil-based Sauber F1 team that will be Audi's works outfit from 2026 announced last week that Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu will leave the Swiss team at the end of the season.
After leaving Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season, Valtteri Bottas joined Sauber to partner Formula One's first Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu. The Finnish and Chinese driver have been team-mates for the last three years, but they have endured a difficult campaign in 2024 with the squad still pointless after 21 race weekends.
Sauber that is set to become Audi's works outfit in 2026 has already announced the appointment of Nico Hulkenberg, but the Bottas and Zhou have been in contention for the second seat.
However, the Hinwil-based organisation confirmed last week that both drivers will depart from Sauber at the end of the season. The Swiss outfit has also confirmed that McLaren junior racer Gabriel Bortoleto will partner Hulkenberg next year.
Ahead of his exit from Sauber, Zhou reckons that he will pursue different opportunities to try to stay in the Formula One paddock next year.
"I will be leaving the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. I would like to thank all of the fans for their continued support. You have been fantastic, and you continue to inspire me.
"I am immensely proud to represent my country as the first ever Chinese Formula 1 driver. I hope that my racing continues to inspire others who are following my story. I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in Formula 1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap and some memorable battles throughout the grid.
"Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of. I'm now discussing a number of options to stay in the Formula 1 Paddock, will update to you all soon."
