Zhou Guanyu opened up about his contract extension rumors during the press conference ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix on Thursday. However, his team Alfa Romeo is yet to confirm if they want to continue with the $2,000,000 salaried Chinese driver for the upcoming season, according to a report by Motorsport Italia.
Guanyu, in his two years at Alfa Romeo, has put in plenty of notable performances, despite the fact that he started out as a rookie. He had to race against Valtteri Bottas in the team who is a 10-time GP winner. Still. he picked up six points last year and has four so far in 2023.
Always helps if you have a key and the right one! 😂
Fun and games with the @alfaromeostake boys at a slippery Spa 😃#F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 11, 2023
With such optimal performances, Guanyu’s renewal with the Hinwil-based team should not have been under any doubt. However, as suggested recently, things can change when there are other factors involved.
Zhou Guanyu can be snubbed for other prospects
Haas recently confirmed Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen in their lineup for the next season. As per reports, Guanyu is one driver who still hasn’t sorted out his future in the sport beyond this season.
Furthermore, as a replacement, Alfa Romeo is also keeping tabs on Theo Pourchaire. Pourchaire has long been linked with the team also known as Sauber. Apart from him, reports suggest that Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich is also linked to a move alongside Bottas.
Formula 1 we back! ✌🏼#DutchGP pic.twitter.com/T4pNJIW6CM
— 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@ZhouGuanyu24) August 24, 2023
Alfa Romeo’s decision-making might also depend heavily on Audi who recently purchased stakes in the team. Admittedly, the team will be rebranded to the Audi factory team from the 2026 F1 season onwards.
Audi’s entry plan and Guanyu’s future
With Zhou Guanyu’s future up in the air, Audi might play a huge role in selecting the team’s drivers drivers. While Bottas will remain a firm favorite in the team for his sheer experience, his current teammate might be changed.
The number one priority for Audi will be Carlos Sainz who is going through a difficult time with Ferrari. There are multiple reports about how the Spanish driver’s father Carlos Sainz Sr. is in talks with Audi officials over it.
Interestingly, Mercedes reserve driver and former Haas F1 driver Mick Schumacher is also linked with a move to Alfa Romeo or Audi in the future due to his German connection. However, all of these are just rumors with no solid reports or confirmations.
