Zhou Guanyu rates his chances of earning a 2025 F1 seat after Mattia Binotto appointment

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Zhou Guanyu is on a run of 19 race weekends without scoring a point in Formula 1.

Even Logan Sargeant has scored a point more recently in F1 with the Chinese driver yet to add to his tally in 2024.

That’s not completely Zhou Guanyu’s fault as his Sauber teammate Valtteri Bottas is in the same boat after a disastrous campaign for the Swiss team.

In a season where more than of the grid were out of contract at the end of the year, it was a really bad time to suffer a dip in form with teams on the lookout.

The driver’s market has moved at a much faster pace than normal and there are currently only four unclaimed seats for 2025.

Mercedes and RB have narrowed down their shortlists, meaning Alpine and Sauber – soon to be Audi – are the two options remaining for unsigned F1 drivers and youngsters in F2 and other series trying to get onto the grid.

Zhou was speaking to The Race about his season and his Formula 1 future.

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The 25-year-old has only scored 12 points in his F1 career and Bottas has beaten him in his first two seasons.

Zhou has admitted that this year’s Sauber doesn’t suit his driving style but when racing for a team at the back of the grid, it’s imperative to take advantage of any opportunities.

Sauber’s awful pit stops at the start of the season ruined their chances when the grid was closer than it is now, but Alessandro Alunni Bravi’s team have failed to take the same steps forward as their rivals.

However, Zhou believes that the arrival of Audi’s new head of Formula 1 operations Mattia Binotto may improve his chances of earning a contract extension.

He’s worked with Binotto before and while Bottas is the more experienced driver, Zhou also brings money Sauber could use to help develop their car.

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Zhou Guanyu more confident of earning 2025 Formula 1 race seat

Talking about staying on the grid and his relationship with new boss Mattia Binotto, Zhou said: “For the future or for next year, it’s definitely better. I’ve known him for quite a while now, being involved with Ferrari’s academy for several years.

“I want to stay in this championship. That’s what I want to do.

“But in terms of what I do, if I become a third driver, I haven’t thought about it. My mindset is on getting a seat because there’s still, I would say, a chance of 50 per cent or more that I get a seat.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Sauber and Audi F1 chief Mattia Binotto

Mattia Binotto has already missed out on one driver for 2025 Audi seat

The likes of Kevin Magnussen and Sargeant are still available for next year but it would be a surprise if Sauber brought either driver in to partner Nico Hulkenberg.

It’s interesting that Zhou is growing in confidence as in recent races Bottas has been a long way in front of him in qualifying and the race itself.

However, Zhou has explained that Bottas has a car with more upgrades right now although there is likely a reason why Sauber are already favouring him.

Bottas is the favourite to sign for Sauber next year and his experience could be key to the development of Audi’s first car.

However, Binotto was also keen on Carlos Sainz whom he worked with at Ferrari but he quickly confirmed that he would be driving for Williams in 2025.