Zhou Guanyu signs contract extension with Alfa Romeo 

Alessandro Alunni says Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas contract extension as a "conscious decision" 

Zhou Guanyu signs contract extension with Alfa Romeo 

Zhou Guanyu (Via IMAGO)

Zhou Guanyu has consistently demonstrated his ability to confront formidable challenges while driving the Alfa Romeo C43. His contract extension with Alfa Romeo, alongside Valtteri Bottas, ensured his presence in the team for the 2024 season.

Zhou Guanyu made his Formula One debut in 2022 with the Alfa Romeo team, making history as the first Formula One driver from mainland China. By the end of his first Formula 1 season, Zhou finished eighteenth in the World Drivers’ Championship with six points, in contrast to his teammate Bottas, who secured 49 points.

In his second year as an F1 driver during the 2023 season, Zhou has performed better than his teammate Bottas, and it has helped him to secure the extension. The contract extension aligns with the team’s preparations for the arrival of Audi in 2026. Notably, Zhou’s contract extension coincides with the anticipated return of the Chinese Grand Prix in 2024, which was last held in 2019.

Regarding his contract extension, Zhou acknowledged that he is still thankful for this opportunity. “I am proud to be part of Alfa Romeo and grateful for their trust…I am also very excited about the opportunity to race…. in front of my home crowd. It will be a great moment, and I’m proud to be able to share it with all those who have supported me,” said Zhou Guanyu, as reported by Racingnews365.com

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Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Botta’s contract extension was a ‘conscious decision’

Alfa Romeo at Bahrain Gp
Alfa Romeo at Bahrain Gp (Credits: Racefans)

Ahead of the contract extension, Team Representative Alessandro Alunni Bravo supported his signing decision. This decision was made to establish and preserve stability within the team as they navigate the transition to Audi. He said, “The decision to continue our journey with our driver line-up unchanged is a testament to the investment we have made in our project.” 

“Nothing in Formula One changes overnight, and we have taken a conscious decision to focus on stability and to keep building our team up together as we embark on an important period of transition,” said Alessandro Alunni, as reported by Racingnews365.com

After the announcement of Zhou’s contract renewal, there remain three vacant seats on the 2024 grid. The situation regarding Logan Sargeant’s future with Williams remains uncertain, while both seats at AlphaTauri are available. 

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