Zhou Guanyu is in a crucial position, looking to secure his place on the Formula 1 grid for the 2025 season. His “very close” ties with Geely, a company making significant moves in the automotive world, could play a key role in his career trajectory.
Zhou Guanyu, a prominent figure in the F1 realm, has recently shed light on his relationship with the Geely Group. This connection could be pivotal as Geely advances within the racing sphere, notably through its recent collaboration with the Renault Group. Their joint development, HORSE Powertrains, aims to make strides in the road car market, featuring brands like Volvo, Proton, and Mitsubishi alongside Renault’s. While initially focused on road vehicles, Geely’s interest in motorsports remains palpable.
The Formula 1 driver’s future is still undecided for the coming year, and he has several options on the table. Zhou stated he is exploring these possibilities, with his main objective being to maintain his position in Formula 1. He emphasized that while nothing is officially confirmed, the journey continues as he weighs his options—hoping, with time, to determine where his career path will lead.
Intriguingly, Zhou’s previous ambassador role with Geely-affiliated Zeekr cars, alongside his longstanding ties with the company, could play a supportive role in his motorsport ambitions. Although these connections don’t currently sway his decisions greatly, he acknowledges their potential influence. Zhou highlighted that Geely intends to bolster its presence in Formula 1, albeit the exact nature of their return remains to be seen.
The collaboration between Geely and Renault, while primarily directed at growing their road car ventures, isn’t going unnoticed in the F1 circles. While Zhou’s path isn’t directly influenced by these developments yet, having such a corporate heavyweight in his corner certainly expands his possibilities. Zhou appreciates Geely’s commitment, noting that their enthusiasm for motorsport resonates with his own career goals.
As the 2025 F1 season looms, Zhou Guanyu finds himself at a career crossroads, with Geely’s evolving interests offering both opportunities and unanswered questions. His potential alignment with Alpine could be a turning point but will depend on how these corporate alliances shape in the dynamic world of Formula 1.
