Navigating the future – An Interview with Guanyu Zhou

For Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Formula 1, 2024 is being a challenging season amidst the backdrop of his team’s underperformance and uncertainty about his future. While Zhou has consistently shown promise, the Steak F1 team Kick Sauber has struggled to match the pace of the top contenders, making it difficult for him to showcase his full potential. As the season progresses, the question of Zhou’s contract renewal for 2025 looms large, adding an extra layer of pressure to his performances. Despite these challenges, Zhou remains determined to prove himself and secure a long-term future in Formula 1.

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Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room. With the 2025 season looming, how are you navigating the uncertainty of your future in Formula 1?

GZ: Well, to be honest, uncertainty is something I’ve become quite accustomed to. This isn’t the first time I’ve faced this situation. Each year, there’s a degree of uncertainty about what the next season will hold. So, in a way, it’s par for the course.

That’s a mature perspective. As a GZ, especially entering your prime years, one would think a more settled career path would be preferable. How has this uncertainty affected your approach to the current season?

GZ: It’s definitely influenced my priorities. I’ve focused solely on delivering strong performances on the track. The rest – contract negotiations, exploring options – I leave to my team. They’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the best possible future for me.

Given the current landscape, have you considered alternative racing series if Formula 1 doesn’t pan out?

GZ: Formula 1 remains my primary focus. I believe I still have a good chance of staying here. That said, I haven’t given serious thought to other series yet. If the need arises, I’m sure opportunities will present themselves.

Let’s shift gears to the upcoming 2026 regulations. What are your thoughts on these changes, particularly in terms of their impact on the sport?

GZ: The regulations aim to make the cars more sustainable and competitive. However, there’s a trade-off: reduced downforce can lead to less exciting racing. It’s a balancing act. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.

Do you think these regulations will benefit street…