**EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu Ready to Accept F1 Seat Loss to Bottas, Eyes Future with Sauber Amid Binotto’s Arrival**

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu Open to Losing F1 Spot to Valtteri Bottas

Zhou Guanyu discusses his efforts to claim Sauber's last F1 position for 2025 in an interview with Crash.net.

Zhou Guanyu has stated that he would be able to "accept" not securing the last spot in Sauber's F1 2025 lineup if it goes to his current teammate, Valtteri Bottas.

The Chinese driver seems to be directly competing with Bottas for the last available position at Sauber, which is also the final spot on the 2025 Formula 1 grid, in order to avoid being cut from the sport entirely.

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Zhou admitted that he might not compete in the next season.

When questioned about the possibility of not being in Formula 1 next year, Zhou responded: "Certainly. I believe there are two possible outcomes. The reality is that I might retain my position at Sauber, or I might not have a seat next year."

"I'm totally open about this. I won't be very upset if I don't get a seat. Competing with Valtteri for the seat, I'd be happy even if he gets it instead of me."

"Certainly, there are drivers whose seats for the upcoming year might seem questionable. However, if it's between me and another driver for a single spot, I want to compete for it. But if he gets the seat, I won't be overly upset."

When asked if he would be okay with losing to Bottas, Zhou replied: "Yes, I can accept that. Regardless, we have to wait and see what comes next."

Zhou emphasized his intention to remain involved in Formula 1, regardless of whether he secures a full-time position, and expressed that he has no desire to compete in a different racing series.

He stated, "I’m not planning to join any other championships at the moment. I aim to have another chance in the future and hopefully compete in F1 again."

"Individuals are already reaching out to me with interest in creating additional series."

"Right now, I don't want to join other racing series because I believe I'm still at a stage where staying in Formula 1, or returning if I lose my spot, will provide opportunities to prove my abilities."

"I intend to put in my maximum effort to remain in Formula 1, and after that, there will be numerous opportunities available outside of F1. However, I am not considering this as a short-term goal of just one or two years."

Zhou mentioned that he would be interested in taking on a reserve driver position if he does not secure a full-time driving role.

“If you don't have a primary position, being a reserve driver and waiting for chances is the only option,” he mentioned. “Currently, I'm not in discussions with any other team about a reserve role because I believe numerous opportunities will arise.”

"The decision hinges on what options they have and what seats might be open with other teams in the future. But at this moment, I’m specifically referring to the [Sauber race] seat for next season. Naturally, that is the main focus."

Mattia Binotto's entry 'creates new opportunities'

Former Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto is attending his first F1 event this weekend, having recently taken the lead at Sauber in preparation for Audi's acquisition in 2026.

Zhou thinks that Binotto joining the team increases his likelihood of keeping his position, and Bottas has shared these sentiments as well.

During the interview, Binotto paused for a moment to greet Zhou, who mentioned that initial talks had already taken place with the ex-Ferrari team principal.

"We've already begun discussing what's ahead," he mentioned. "I had a conversation with him last week when he began his job at the factory. This week, my management team and I will certainly begin conversations about my future."

Grasping the requirements from his perspective, as well as Audi's, and identifying our mutual assets. We'll need to evaluate this over the coming weeks to determine the path forward.

"With Mattia's arrival, new opportunities are emerging for both Valtteri and me. I believe we are the leading candidates for the last available seat at Sauber, and we'll have to wait to see how things unfold."

"Having someone new is refreshing. Although you're not entirely sure what they require yet, they bring a sense of optimism and anticipation, making you feel like your chances might improve."

Zhou remarked, "I believe I gave my all. Whether that's sufficient, I'll leave for Mattia and Audi's management team to decide."

“I put in my best effort, but this year I couldn't demonstrate my full potential as I did in the past two years, which is somewhat disheartening.”

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