Zhou Guanyu has confirmed that he has the backing of the Chinese auto giant Geely, a relationship that could very well keep the Sauber driver in Formula 1.
Zhou is contracted in F1 with Sauber through to the end of the season, but the Hinwil-based Formula 1 outfit is reported to be looking beyond the Chinese driver for Nico Hulkenberg’s 2025 team-mate.
However, Geely could provide Zhou with a Formula 1 reprieve given its relationship with the Renault Group whereby the two brands have partnered in co-ownership of HORSE, an automotive powertrains division set up in May.
With Geely also interested in Formula 1, Zhou spoke to the media at the Spanish Grand Prix regarding the marques support towards his career.
“All I can say is that, for myself, personally, I’ve been already working together with Geely Group,” said Zhou.
“I’ve been an ambassador for their cars, Zeekr is from their group, so I’m very close with them.
“Of course, they still have a high interest around motorsports, on Formula 1 in general. I think anything, I think where I’m heading, they will try to help me in that side, which is nice to have.
“But then knowing they have a good connection with Alpine, it’s not really making my decision more where I’m going to [be] heading off, but that’s what they are doing with their own road cars.
“But yeah, I’m convinced that they will try everything for me and also myself together with my manager group, but nothing else to add really, on that side of things.”
Alpine’s partnership with Geely in the realm of road cars doesn’t by any means guarantee Zhou a spot in its Formula 1 outfit, but should Geely’s interest in the series ramp up and rumours of an Alpine sale come to fruition, the Chinese driver would be a suitable fit.
Zhou’s already family with the Enstone outfit as he was a Renault Academy Driver during his Formula 2 days.
Speculation aside, Zhou said he’s “talking to all the options and trying to figure out what is the best together” for his Formula 1 future.
“And of course, the main priority remains, try to stay on the grid for next season,” he added. “But yeah, further details, nothing has been confirmed.
“So we need a little bit longer, of course, to be understanding exactly where I’m heading off or staying in the future.”
Zhou has struggled for form so far in the 2024 season in an uncompetitive Sauber with zero points to his name and just one Q2 qualifying appearance across the first 10 rounds.
