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Schumacher predicts Guanyu Zhou can be sacked once $450 million investor arrives in F1

Somin Bhattacharjee
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Schumacher predicts Guanyu Zhou can be sacked once $450 million investor arrives in F1

The Alfa Romeo duo of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou had their first season with the Hinwil-based outfit in 2022. Bottas spent the previous five seasons with Mercedes whereas it was Zhou’s first ever year in the sport. Both of them have a seat for the 2023 season, but a change in leadership ahead of the start of the campaign might derail their plans.

Bottas has a multi-year contract with Alfa Romeo but Zhou’s deal runs out in 2024. With Andreas Seidl joining the team as CEO of Sauber earlier this week, some questions surrounding their future in the sport have come into question.

Zhou’s arrival in 2022 was largely down to the huge financial backing he brought with him. The Sauber group, which has Alfa Romeo as their title sponsor needed the money, but Audi buying them out for $450 million has changed things. The German manufacturers are reportedly set to take over when the engine freeze ends in 2026. According to former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, that is when the team will realize that they don’t need Zhou anymore.

Also read: How 2-time World Champion Max Verstappen stays fit during winter break

Guanyu Zhou and Valtteri Bottas’ futures with Sauber are doubtful

Earlier this week, there was a huge shake-up in the team principals’ market in F1. It started with Fred Vasseur leaving Alfa Romeo to join Ferrari. Soon, it was revealed that Andreas Seidl had parted ways with McLaren, to join the Sauber group, not as a team principal but as CEO.

Seidl’s arrival is set to shake things up, and Bottas’ place is under particular threat. According to Schumacher, Bottas may not stay in the team after 2023, mainly because the name Alfa Romeo may not stay much longer.

“Bottas, one hears a bit, is counted and should not necessarily stay there too long,” he said to Sky Germany. “Until the end of 2023, however, there is not only clarity among the drivers. Because partner Alfa Romeo will also remain the title sponsor in the next season before retiring in 2024.”

Schumacher went on to praise Seidl’s appointment as Sauber boss. The 47-year-old said that the amount of experience his compatriot brings into the team is a huge step in the right direction for them.

Also read: Sergio Perez spends $130,000 to bring gifts for 1400 employees at Red Bull

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Formula 1 Editor Somin Bhattacharjee fell for the sport as well as Fernando Alonso on the same day — during the Spaniard’s thrilling victory at the German GP in 2010. Over the years, the passion magnified manyfold, and metamorphosed into a writing career in 2021. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. He has penned over 2,700 articles for TheSportsRush, presenting a diverse range — news reports, opinions, and exclusives. A true Tiffosi, Somin never gives up on a chance to defend the Ferrari boys as a fan. As a sports writer though, he remains objective to the core and relishes opportunities to follow and engage in dissecting the action during races. That’s where the real thrill lies for him. Beyond the racetrack, Somin plays different sports including soccer. He enjoys exploring other sporting events and proudly supports Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

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