Zhou desperate to remain in F1 for 2025

Zhou Guanyu has stated that he desperately wants to remain in Formula 1 next season. However, he is eager to avoid becoming a reserve driver for 2025 as he looks for a full-time seat.

Zhou finds himself at a very important stage in his F1 career. He is one of several drivers currently who find themselves without a seat going into next season.

However, it is looking unlikely at the moment that both Zhou and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas will be at Stake F1 in 2025.

Audi have already announced the signing of Nico Hulkenberg for next season, meaning he will drive for Stake F1 next season. The Hinwil-based team are also reportedly interested in Carlos Sainz, as he looks to keep his place in the sport as well.

Speaking to the media, including racingnews365.com, Zhou is hoping that he can do enough to stay in F1 with a full-time seat, as he admits that he doesn’t want to be a reserve driver.

“I don’t want to be the reserve, I don’t want to take a year off,” Zhou said.

“I don’t think [at] this kind of age of my career, I don’t really want to take a year off because Formula 1 when you take a year off, it’s difficult to come back.”

“Just because you’re not racing and it is such a high level, the cars are changing and you need to adapt to understand something different.”

“So my options, of course, try to get a seat for next year and reserve is definitely not an option at the moment.”

A reserve spot could be the only option

Despite Zhou not wanting to be a reserve driver for next season, the Chinese driver has admitted that there may come a time where he might consider accepting a reserve position. However, Zhou’s full focus for now is on keeping his seat for 2025.

“If we have to then we have to see, we have to consider but for the moment I’m not trying to think in that way,” insisted Zhou.

“That midfield is still very much unknown for anyone with a few seats, spots available for everybody to grab,” added Zhou.

“So we need to see. Hopefully take the chance and yeah, see what happens.”

Feature Image Credit: (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)