Zhou 'surprised' by critical Alfa Romeo change

Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu has conceded he was left "a bit surprised" by the decision to hire former McLaren Technical Director James Key.

Key was ousted from the role earlier this season after McLaren CEO Zak Brown triggered a reshuffle in the technical department in light of the Woking-based outfit missing 'targets' at the start of the year.

But Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl pounced to land his former colleague, who he worked with between 2019 and his own departure at the end of last season, with Key set to replace Jan Monchaux in the same role from September.

The move is part of the restructuring undertaken by Seidl in preparation for Audi's arrival to F1 with the team in 2026.

Speaking to media, including RacingNews365.com about Key's arrival, Zhou said: "I was a bit surprised.

"I knew things would change a bit inside the team handing over for 2026 but I didn't expect it so quickly.

"In general, Jan did a good job and he is not out of the team, they need to figure out which department and role he has to take and if he stays or not.

"But Andreas is building a team ready for the Audi arrival so I am happy to take whoever Andreas takes. He is a good guy and knows what he is doing for the best of the team.

"James will give us some other ideas and we can continue working to make a further step up for the end of the season."

'People move around'

On whether there were any question marks over Key's ability given his sudden departure from McLaren, Zhou replied: "I don't know what's going on at McLaren and why he was booted out but they were working extremely well with James.

"He was a guy at McLaren when they were struggling and brought them back to be race-winning cars and on the podium several times.

"They both [Seidl and Key] know what they are doing and I am just supporting the decisions Andreas is able to take. I am ok with that.

"People move around in this paddock."