Is Zhou Guanyu A Probable Haas Contender?

Of the three drivers to have not scored a single point whatsoever in 2024, Zhou Guanyu finds himself on the unenviable list. This isn’t a list to which he would have liked to belong. And that is when there have been no fewer than nine races so far in the 2024 Formula 1 world championship.

However, that might not be the case in the course of the future for the talented Chinese driver. As it turns out, one among the many contenders for a seat at the Haas racing team is none other than Zhou Guanyhu himself.

It is expected that in the next F1 season, the only Chinese driver on the grid might not remain with his current Sauber team. Even as there are no current confirmations, it is expected that Guanyu might get a racing seat with the American Haas team.

Now what is interesting here is that where it stands at the moment, then there are no fewer than four different possible candidates for a seat at Haas for 2025. These include- Ollie Bearman, Esteban Ocon and perhaps even Carlos Sainz jr., who is currently driving in his final season with the Scuderia Ferrari stable.

But having said that, what makes Zhou Guanyu’s case at Haas a solid one, even as there are no current confirmations?

It is apparent that Zhou brings with him a financial backing that amounts to no fewer than USD 30 to 40 million. This is thanks to his Chinese backers, which actually makes him an exciting future prospect at Haas.

He has a great connect with the Chinese market and that could make him an exciting prospect for his next F1 move. Having said that, it might not be all that easy for Zhou to land a seat at Haas. While it is still very much in the realm of grapevine, but chances are, Esteban Ocon could find a drive at the team founded by Gene Haas come the 2025 F1 season.

If one were to purely speak about racing credentials, then at this time, both Bearman and Ocon are potentially stronger candidates for a drive at Haas than even Guanyu. First, Bearman, the young Briton scored points in his F1 debut, registering a fighting seventh at the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

And second, Ocon has the experience of no fewer than 142 Grands Prix to his name. He is also, lest it is forgotten, an F1 race winner. His win at the Hungaroring with Alpine was arguably the highlight of his career. Besides, still being young and having the determination makes him a hot prospect for Haas recruitment.