Zhou details 'priority' in Alfa Romeo contract extension talks

Zhou Guanyu has confirmed that his new Alfa Romeo contract will span just one year after making it his "priority" to stay with the team as it heads towards the Audi transition for 2026.

Alfa Romeo confirmed on Thursday (September 14th) that Zhou will stick with the squad for next year, when it is expected to return to the Sauber moniker.

The Chinese driver will continue to partner Valtteri Bottas, with the duo set for a third season paired together.

Amid Audi’s impending takeover of the team in just over two years’ time, Zhou stated that the squad is keeping its driver options open beyond next year.

"It’s settled for next year," Zhou told media including RacingNews365.

"2024 is secured and after that, the team is settling into another project, so everything will be decided after that year to keep the options open."

'Alfa Romeo was my priority'

Alfa Romeo has endured a challenging campaign and currently sits ninth in the Constructors’ Championship.

When asked if there were discussions with any other teams for next year, Zhou said: "I think it was very clear after a lot of teams announced their driver lineup.

"At the beginning of the year I was just focused on my driving and then halfway or before the summer break I was looking [at] what the options were.

"Of course, there are other options, but for me, the priority was to try to stay with the team.

"This year, maybe [talks] went a little bit longer than expected just because we wanted to make sure we maximised all the little details we have together in collaboration with Alfa.

"From my side, I was very keen. That was my priority.

"It’s not like we have a lot of seats available and I feel like I was very happy being in that happy place with my engineer, people that I know already.”