Guanyu Zhou told reporters that Audi’s arrival in 2026 does not make it any easier for him to negotiate a contract extension with Alfa Romeo/Sauber for next year.
At the end of the season, the contract between Alfa Romeo and Sauber expires, according to which the Italian car manufacturer is in the name of the Swiss team. From 2024 the team from Hinwil will be called Sauber and in 2026 they will change their brand name to Audi.
It was initially believed that Zhou would remain in the team alongside Valtteri Bottas next year, but in recent weeks this prospect has been somewhat shaken. There are rumors that Theo Purscher, who has close ties to Sauber, could replace him next year, and Zhou simply has no other options.
Guanyu Zhou: “My goal is of course a long-term contract to drive in Formula 1. But now there are complications, because with the arrival of Audi, the team needs more time to make a decision.
I don’t negotiate with other teams. My priority is to stay with Sauber. There are virtually no vacancies. I want to perform where I compete.”
Source: F1 News
I am Christopher Clyde, an experienced journalist and content writer with a passion for sports. I have been writing about Formula 1 news for the past five years and am currently employed as an author at athletistic.com, one of the top sports websites in the US.
