Schumacher scenario sends alarm bells ringing for Zhou

Zhou Guanyu has outlined his desire to avoid Mick Schumacher's situation of being unable to find a way back onto the F1 grid.

The Stake F1 team has yet to confirm who Nico Hulkenberg's team-mate will be for next season, although it is understood Zhou has dropped out of the running, so faces a year on the sidelines. 

Naturally, the Chinese driver is targeting a return as soon as possible as he does not want to find himself tackling a Schumacher-esque scenario. 

Since being released by Haas at the end of 2022, Schumacher has failed to find a seat, even as Mercedes' reserve driver. 

"I feel like he waited a little bit too long because I think the wait he had, he could have gotten even better chances in other places," Zhou told select media including RacingNews365. 

"Because, obviously, right now, he still can't get a seat for next year, which is a little bit difficult if I'm in his position."

He added: "In Formula 1 you need to be very quick, efficient, and if there's a chance to grab [a seat], if you continue to wait, you could be a third driver forever. That's not the case I want."  

Zhou 'willing' to wait

Returning to the F1 grid in 2026, when the new power unit regulations are introduced, is Zhou's priority. 

The 25-year-old is prepared to wait for up to a maximum of two years to find a seat on the grid, although will accept defeat on his F1 career should nothing materialise. 

For now, Zhou is focused on the pinnacle of motorsport.

"At the moment, I think Formula 1 is the priority, and then if that doesn't come, then we need to keep our eyes open," said Zhou. 

"I'm in a position that if I need to wait a year, I'm willing to do so. But then if I waited more than one or two years, then I probably will take my exit from this championship. 

"But at the moment, I'm just focused on F1."