Zhou explains 'impossible' fear behind F1 exit

Zhou Guanyu has asserted he is still focused on ensuring he is racing on the F1 grid next year with Stake.

The Chinese driver's future on the grid beyond the current campaign is in the air with Stake yet to confirm its second seat.

Stake, which will transition to Audi for the 2026 campaign, has already signed up Nico Hulkenberg on a long-term deal.

It has put Zhou's F1 future with the team at risk as team-mate Valtteri Bottas is also vying for the drive, alongside other contenders.

With a new management structure recently put in place at Audi, headed by ex-Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto, Zhou has eyed the upcoming races as an opportunity to prove he is worthy of being signed up.

“I don't feel there were any surprises with the announcements people were having,” Zhou exclusively told RacingNews365, reflecting on the driver market. 

“For me, we're talking about it, and it's clear here, there's a seat available, but obviously there are drivers fighting for it, and I'm one of them.

“So it's going to be up to the performances, I can show in the next few races.

Zhou is currently in his third F1 season having progressed to the grid following several seasons at a Formula 2 level.

As his options for 2025 narrow, Zhou asserted he has no interest in exploring options outside of the grid as he understands it will likely signal the end to his F1 career.

“For me, I still have eyes on F1,” he said. “I don't feel like it's time yet for me to step into a different championship. 

“I feel once you step into that, it's difficult to make a comeback - almost impossible.

“You either step away, not do anything, or you just do another championship and have a different career to finish it off.

“So of course I want it to be the first [choice] which is the one still involving this championsip. We’ll see in the end what we’ll do.”