Another Stir in the F1 Driver Market: Zhou Guanyu Set to Join Alpine, while Sainz Heads to Williams!

In the ever-unpredictable world of Formula 1, Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu’s future has been a topic of great interest. Lately, rumors about his continued presence on the F1 grid have regained significant attention. As news surrounding Valtteri Bottas and Alpine F1 Team unfolds, and opinions from international media shift regarding Zhou’s seat, his prospects have become a hot discussion.

Multiple reports suggest that Zhou’s move to Alpine F1 Team is imminent, with the young driver seemingly outpacing Mick Schumacher and Jack Doohan in the competition. Separately, it’s rumored that Ferrari’s discarded driver has inked a multi-year deal with Williams F1 Team, shaping the preliminary outline for the 2025 season’s driver lineups.

The industry, both inside and outside, generally views Zhou’s potential move to Alpine positively. Sky Sports commentator Craig Slater commented, “Zhou was once part of the Alpine academy, and his addition would not only aid Alpine in expanding its presence in China but also aligns with Renault’s collaboration with Geely Group.” Additionally, the editor of Formularapida hinted at Zhou’s likelihood of joining Alpine through personal social media updates.

Zhou’s recent interviews seem to echo these rumors. He mentioned maintaining close contact with Alpine and expressed confidence in securing an F1 spot. While he didn’t explicitly confirm his intention to join Alpine, the accumulated signs point in that direction.

Simultaneously, another driver transfer seems to be confirmed. According to Motorsportweek, Sainz has agreed terms with Williams F1 Team and could be officially announced during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend. This development is a significant boost for Williams and injects new dynamics into the F1 driver market.

As the Barcelona race week approaches, the overall direction for the 2025 F1 season is becoming clearer. Based on current rumors and analysis, we can tentatively map out the driver lineup: Sainz to Williams, Bottas staying at Sauber, Zhou to Alpine, Ocon to Haas, and Antonelli stepping up to Mercedes.

For Zhou, joining Alpine F1 Team would mark a crucial turning point in his career. We look forward to seeing him excel in his new team, bringing pride to Chinese motorsport. At the same time, we anticipate more talented Chinese drivers entering the F1 arena, jointly scripting a glorious chapter in Chinese racing history.