Carlos Sainz’s journey to secure a seat for the F1 2025 season is seemingly approaching its end, as Zhou Guanyu emerges as the prime candidate for the coveted spot at Alpine.
Carlos Sainz, once in consideration for the Alpine seat, is now seen as a ‘no-go,’ according to Sky F1’s Craig Slater. Despite prior affiliations with Alpine during 2017/18, Sainz is now exploring other options, notably Williams and Audi. This shift comes after his impending replacement at Ferrari by Lewis Hamilton, leaving him without a confirmed seat for the next season. Speculations suggest an announcement regarding Sainz’s future might coincide with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona this weekend.
Meanwhile, Zhou Guanyu, the Sauber driver, is rapidly becoming the favorite to replace Esteban Ocon. Despite initially being overshadowed by talks involving Sainz and Valtteri Bottas, Alpine’s discussions with these drivers did not advance. Mick Schumacher, currently racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, is also unlikely to step into the F1 role, leaving Zhou as a prominent choice.
Zhou’s prospects are bolstered by his commercial appeal, particularly his connections to the vast Chinese market, a key factor for Alpine’s parent company, Renault, which recently partnered with the Chinese firm Geely. This alliance, as noted by Craig Slater, could significantly benefit Alpine, making Zhou an attractive candidate.
Further complicating the grid dynamics is Zhou’s ongoing bid to secure his position. According to reporter Michael Schmidt, Zhou and his sponsors are prepared to invest heavily, offering Haas a staggering €30-35 million to secure a seat. Yet, Ferrari’s preferences lean towards Ocon and promising junior driver Oliver Bearman. Bearman’s impending participation in first practice at the Spanish Grand Prix signifies his potential rise to a full F1 seat.
Zhou, however, remains fixed on an F1 2025 race seat, rejecting the idea of a reserve role. ‘I don’t want to be the reserve, I don’t want to take a year off,’ he asserted at the recent Canadian Grand Prix. The fast-evolving F1 landscape demands constant participation, and Zhou is determined to race rather than sit it out.
The race for the F1 2025 Alpine seat is heating up with Zhou Guanyu in the lead, emphasizing the intricate balance of talent, strategy, and commercial appeal that defines the Formula 1 world.
