Guanyu Zhou unaffected by rumours that he is illegitimate for an F1 seat
Sauber and Guanyu Zhou have extended their contract for a further season. The announcement was strongly criticized on social networks.
Guanyu Zhou’s contract has been extended for an additional season. Thus, the Chinese driver should be in Formula 1 at least until the end of the next season. Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo) formalized this agreement for the 2023 season.
His teammate, Valtteri Bottas, has also extended his contract with the Swiss team. The two drivers will be lined up for a third season together.
Guanyu Zhou prefers to laugh
Despite the difficulties encountered, both for him and for the team, Guanyu Zhou was heavily criticized on social media. Although Valtteri Bottas seemed less affected due to his experience, the Chinese driver was the subject of criticism. Various rumors circulated about him, notably concerning his presence in Formula 1 only because of his sponsors. Guanyu Zhou takes this lightly, convinced that these rumors are unfounded.
« I don’t care, to be honest! », said the 24-year-old athlete in the columns of AutoSport. « It’s like all the other crazy stuff I heard when I signed my contract for the first time. I’m just pretty laid back. It’s sometimes fun to see rumors because you know what really happened. And even after the signing, there are always new rumors, not just about me, but about other people. It’s sometimes quite funny. »
Recurring stories
Rumors began to circulate a few days after the announcement of the extension in mid-September. Social networks criticized the decision, notably due to its late formalization. Due to the lackluster performances of Guanyu Zhou, rumors questioned his legitimacy to occupy a seat in F1. Other speculations suggested that the first Chinese in the history of F1 had been extended by Sauber by default, due to a lack of options on the market, or that he had taken Theo Pourchaire’s place solely for financial reasons.
However, Guanyu Zhou clarified that the negotiations had been lengthy due to a few details. « It’s politics, there were only minor details left to settle », the Sauber driver confirmed to the anglophone media. « People were saying that Sergio Perez would leave Red Bull during the Mexican Grand Prix, but it did not happen. There were also rumors that Fernando Alonso would have swapped his seat to join Red Bull. That’s crazy. I understand the media, especially when other drivers or the media from their country spread rumors, it can be worrying. But from the inside, we know what’s really happening. »
Guanyu Zhou finished the 2023 season with six points, ranking 18th in the championship.
