Guanyu Zhou is aiming for a return to F1 in 2026: “If I have to wait a year, I am ready”
Guanyu Zhou expressed his desire to return to Formula 1 in 2026, anticipating the possibility of losing his seat at the end of the season. The Chinese driver is willing to wait for a year to regain his place, but he does not want to wait indefinitely for a new opportunity, as he is also open to other opportunities if necessary.
Guanyu Zhou has expressed his intention to return to F1 in 2026 if he were to lose his seat in 2025.
Sauber recently signed Nico Hülkenberg to a long-term contract as the team prepares to become a factory team for Audi. This means that the Chinese driver and Valtteri Bottas may risk losing their seats.
The Chinese driver, who has been with Sauber since 2022, is struggling this season with the C44, a car that is not very performing and has not yet scored any points.
He is, however, determined not to meet the same fate as Mick Schumacher, who failed to return to F1 after losing his seat. Since being released by Haas at the end of 2022, the German has become a reserve driver at Mercedes, but has not managed to secure a seat.
Guanyu Zhou has also expressed his opinion on the subject, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities at the right time: « I think he waited a little too long, because I believe that during this wait, he could have obtained better opportunities elsewhere. Because obviously, at present, he still cannot secure a drive for next year, which would be a bit tough if I were in his shoes. »
He is also considering the possibility of becoming a reserve driver, but he is categorical, he will not accept to remain in this position for too long if he does not regain a full-time seat: “In Formula 1, you have to be very fast and efficient, and if there is an opportunity to seize, if we keep waiting, we could end up being a third driver forever. That’s not what I want.”
If Sauber doesn’t retain him, Zhou pointed out that he was aiming for a return to Formula 1 in 2026, taking advantage of the planned new regulations: « At the moment, I think that Formula 1 remains the priority, and if it doesn’t work out, then I will have to remain open to other options. I am in a situation where, if I have to wait for a year, I am ready to do it. But if the wait exceeds one or two years, then I will probably make the decision to leave this championship. »
