Zhou Guanyu Set for Alpine F1 Comeback in 2025, Taking Ocon’s Spot: Inside the Potential Shift

Zhou Guanyu may unexpectedly rejoin Alpine's F1 team: "It seems logical…"

Zhou Guanyu is in consideration to take over Esteban Ocon's spot at Alpine in 2025.

French Formula 1 journalist Fred Ferret has predicted that Zhou Guanyu will rejoin Alpine, taking over Esteban Ocon's spot for the 2025 season.

Alpine has an open slot for 2025 following the announcement on Monday that Ocon will be leaving the team, made just before the Canadian Grand Prix.

It is anticipated that Pierre Gasly will continue his tenure with the squad, though who will join him as a partner remains uncertain.

Alpine has several choices within their own ranks for potential drivers, including their backup driver Jack Doohan and Mick Schumacher, who currently competes for them in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Reports have connected Valtteri Bottas and his teammate, Zhou, to external interests.

Before moving to Sauber at the beginning of 2022, Zhou was associated with Renault.

In the most recent edition of the F1 Nation podcast, Ferret discussed the rationale behind Zhou's potential move to Alpine, describing it as a logical decision.

"What's the situation with Zhou? Who's going to lose their spot?" he inquired. "It's common knowledge that Geely has strong ties with Renault. Geely, an automotive company from China, maintains a close relationship with the French automaker, Renault.

A year ago, an agreement was reached. It seems logical for there to be a Chinese driver on board, despite the team being French, given their association with a Chinese manufacturer.

"I believe pairing Zhou with Pierre is logical."

F1 Nation podcast presenter Tom Clarkson believes Zhou meets many criteria and his previous connections to Alpine render him a viable option.

"Clarkson mentioned that he believes the team is keen on keeping Pierre. He pointed out that Zhou is a strong candidate as he emerged from the Alpine young driver program, and in light of the situation with Oscar Piastri, they are eager to demonstrate that there's a genuine path to the F1 team for their drivers."

"In 2021 during an FP1 session in Austria, he made his debut appearance at a race weekend, driving for Alpine. This connection, along with his ties to Geely, suggests that Zhou might be the frontrunner to take over from Esteban."

"Zhou alongside Gasly. I believe it's a pretty solid pairing."

Explore Further

Recent Updates

Recent Updates

Site Navigation

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

Reproducing content, whether entirely or partially, including text, photos, or illustrations, is strictly prohibited in any manner.