This driver is aiming for a return to F1: 'Maybe I can do a Pirelli test'
F1 News
- Ludo van Denderen
These are uncertain times for Zhou Guanyu. After the Chinese driver lost his seat at Sauber, it is still unknown where he can continue his career. Zhou has already indicated he will keep his sights on Formula 1, possibly with a reserve role, but with the prospect of a permanent place in 2026.
But while he is away from the wheel in F1, the 25-year-old believes it is important to keep up the mileage, he told the likes of GPblog. "I think the priority is that I want to test a two-year-old car, to do a Pirelli test, for example. It's not about those Pirelli tyres for me. It's important just to be driving. I think there is definitely potential out there."
How long is Zhou willing to wait for a seat?
Ferrari reportedly sees Zhou as a potential reinforcement, but there is no prospect of a seat for 2026. The new Cadillac team that will come to the grid are also on Zhou's radar. But preferably in 2026, no later than 2027, Zhou wants to be back on the F1 grid.
"I think two years is probably the timing," the Chinese confirmed. "It is not fixed, but I think it is something that I think is possible to come back. If it's not within those two years, then things will be certainly looking a little bit less promising. So I think it's not a bad idea to be on the sidelines next year, even when you look at how many newcomers there are."
"I think I can put myself in a good spot to be waiting for a chance. Hopefully, that comes sooner than later, and I am definitely going to try and do my absolute everything to make it happen," Zhou concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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