Zhou Guanyu hints at an imminent Alfa Romeo contract extension amid lack of funding rumors

Zhou remains unfazed by all the Pourchaire speculations.

Zhou Guanyu hints at an imminent Alfa Romeo contract extension amid lack of funding rumors

Zhou Guanyu (via IMAGO)

Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu is on the brink of securing his future with Alfa Romeo for 2024. With his contract set to expire by the end of the current season and the 2024 season beckoning, Guanyu’s contract negotiations are gathering pace, promising an exciting chapter for the young driver.

Zhou Guanyu, the first full-time Chinese F1 racer, has had a season that may not be considered spectacular but has certainly been commendable. In a car that often struggles to keep up with the frontrunners, Zhou managed to accumulate two points. Notably, he outperformed his more experienced teammate, Valtteri Bottas, on four race days in the first half of the season. Zhou’s consistency and determination shone through despite the limitations of the Alfa Romeo C42.

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As the rumor mill churns, there have been whispers that Zhou lacks the financial clout to sweeten the deal for Alfa Romeo. However, Zhou quickly dispels these notions. He points out that he has personal sponsors and is confident he possesses the necessary backing to secure his place in the sport. “I have personal sponsors, and I don’t know the rumors, but I don’t feel I’m lacking any foundations on that side,” said the Chinese driver. 

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While talking about the contract negotiations with Motorsport.com, Zhou acknowledges that they might have taken slightly longer than expected. In Zhou’s own words, “I’m happy to be together, spending more and more years together with this team. The future is bright for where the team is heading.” 

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Zhou Guanyu claims he is the reason behind the delay in the contract

Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou and Robert Kubica
Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou and Robert Kubica (Credits: PlanetF1)

While the Chinese driver feels he might be the reason for the delay, he also attributes it to ironing out the finer details in the contract. However, Zhou remains optimistic that an agreement with Alfa Romeo is imminent, and the final touches are being applied to what could be a multi-season deal. He said, “It’s a little bit [more] delayed than I expected. But I think it’s just due to me, together with Alfa Romeo, trying to figure out these final details.”

While opportunities may arise elsewhere, Zhou sees Alfa Romeo as his priority. On the other hand, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the Managing Director of Alfa Romeo’s Formula 1 team, acknowledged the intense competition for Zhou Guanyu’s seat. Notably, FIA F2 champion Felipe Drugovich, supported by strong sponsors, and Alfa Romeo protege, current F2 leader Theo Pourchaire are among the contenders.

Remaining unfazed by speculation, Zhou asserts that there’s no cause for major concern. He firmly believes his on-track performance justifies his continued presence in the paddock. In a competitive field with limited available seats, he strongly desires to remain with his current team.

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