Zhou Guanyu says he will be in the F1 paddock in 2025 with a view towards 2026, but can’t be certain in which colour yet as things hasn’t been finalised.

Having lost his F1 drive after three years in the championship, Guanyu is a free agent in the market. He was linked with a Ferrari reserve role, but nothing is firm yet with negotiations on behind the scenes. There is a possibility at Cadillac as well, considering the role of Graeme Lowdon.

He was named as the team principal few weeks back, but he has been managing Guanyu as well. His season started off well but it went downhill with the performance of the car. There was some pace shown towards the end, which helped him to score his and the team’s first points of 2024.

That gave him good momentum towards a reserve role in 2025. He is confident of being in the F1 paddock next year, but he is not certain of the colour of his kit. The idea is solely to find a race seat in 2026. There is added bonus as well, with the contract extension of the Chinese GP.

“I mean, it’s a mixed emotion,” said Guanyu. “It feels like it’s been such a long season for me. But the last three races actually went quite quick just because I was really enjoying it out there. It was great to score some points for the team at least. And then now, of course, try to see what’s the next chapter for me.

“But as well as, thanks to the team for the last three years. And also, of course, Valtteri will be missed. He’s my teammate. So hopefully in the future, we can be racing together. You probably will see my face [in] this paddock. But which colour? Like I always said since Vegas – I don’t know. Nothing has been decided. There’s potential of some interesting different teams.

“And, yeah, we’re going for it. I want to make sure I’m happy in whatever place I am. And then we can work here on a comeback back on the grid for a drive. Because that’s all I want to do. You know, you don’t want to keep sitting around. So everything, whatever I do, I’m making sure I’m in a place that I feel promising for the future. And then, hopefully, a drive for 2026,” summed up Guanyu.

Here’s Valtteri Bottas donating a strand of his hair

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