Guanyu Zhou’s chances of signing a contract with one of the Formula 1 teams that still have vacancies are not that great and while he understands this, he still hopes that he can show better results in the remaining races of the season. In the meantime, he is one of the three drivers in the championship who still has no points – incidentally, just like Valtteri Bottas, his teammate at Sauber.
But there is another factor that could influence his future fate: the appointment of Mattia Binotto as head of Audi’s factory programme in Formula 1.
“This is definitely better for my prospects, also next year,” the Chinese rider told The Race. – I have known him for a long time, since I studied at the Ferrari Racing Academy for a few years. I want to stay in the championship, that is my goal. I don’t even think about what I will do if I have to become a reserve driver.
But for now I am determined to get a spot on one of the teams, because I estimate my chances to be 50/50 or even higher.”
Bottas was ahead of Zhou in nine of the 14 races that took place, but the outcome of the qualifying duels was even more devastating: 13-1 in favour of the Finn.
“I would say he and I race pretty much the same. In fact, I was a bit faster on more than one occasion,” Zhou said. “But I struggled in the last few stages because I started behind Valtteri. Qualifying is my weak point. My speed during one flying lap is probably affected by the configuration of the car.
The difficulties come from the fact that the C44 does not suit my style in qualifying, because it requires a very smooth driving style, while I drive more aggressively. In previous years, especially last year, I did well, but now I have big difficulties. But I can only say that I am doing everything I can to adapt in some way.”
The Swiss team introduced large-scale technical updates at the stages in Hungary and Belgium, but all the new items were installed on Bottas’ car and Zhou will only receive them at Zandvoort.
“I think the situation will quickly change for the better in the second half of the season, when I will have the same car as my partner,” Guanyu hopes. “However, the C44 still lacks speed, even with Valtteri’s signature styling. The range of optimal settings has become even smaller, and this only adds to my problems.”
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.
