Alpine’s 2025 Seat Chase: Sainz and Bottas Out, Zhou Guanyu Emerges as Front-Runner

Two prominent Formula 1 drivers have been eliminated from contention, but there is speculation about a potential candidate for the open 2025 Alpine seat. Negotiations with two top-tier F1 drivers did not advance.

The race to find Esteban Ocon's successor at Alpine has begun.

The company has faced a challenging year, with the most recent development being the decision to cut Ocon from the team for 2025.

Even with their continuous issues, the appeal of an open Formula 1 seat has drawn multiple drivers, though two have already been eliminated from the race.

According to Craig Slater from Sky Sports, Carlos Sainz has been in discussions with Alpine.

"However, I have been informed that it is not possible."

Valtteri Bottas has engaged in conversations with Alpine as well.

"However, those discussions did not advance."

"What can you tell me about Mick Schumacher? He is currently competing in endurance races with the team."

Sources indicate that he is not a top candidate for securing a Formula 1 race seat next year.

"Zhou Guanyu's name frequently resurfaces."

"He was previously part of the Alpine academy, and there are also business-related factors that could make him appealing to them."

"Firstly, it opens up access for Alpine to the vast Chinese market, which is the largest automobile market globally."

"Renault, the parent company of Alpine, has recently formed a car partnership with the Chinese company Geely."

Both Zhou and his Sauber teammate Bottas have contracts that expire this year.

Nico Hulkenberg has been contracted by Sauber for the 2025 season ahead of their transition to Audi in 2026.

As a result, either Zhou or Bottas will lose their position.

Alpine's leader, Bruno Famin, explicitly stated his expectations for Ocon's successor.

"He insisted that the relationship was irrelevant and that what truly counted was professionalism."

“There is a requirement for skilled drivers.”

Ocon upset his superiors by crashing into his teammate Pierre Gasly on the first lap in Monaco.

Jack Doohan, who serves as Alpine's reserve driver, and Victor Martins, currently competing for the team in Formula 2, are both in the running to take Ocon's place.

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