Source:REUTERS/Susana Vera
[Saba Sports News] According to “PlanetF1,” Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu has confirmed a “very close” relationship with Geely Automobile Group. F1 reporter Sergio Rodriguez hinted on social media about the driver market, using flag emoticons from China → France and France → United States. Given Zhou Guanyu’s status as the only Chinese driver in F1 and Alpine being a French team, this suggests a potential transfer to Alpine F1 team next year. Rodriguez has been accurate previously, reporting Zhou Guanyu’s moves to Alfa Romeo F1 team and contract renewals in 2021 and 2022. Recent developments between Geely (one of Zhou Guanyu’s sponsors) and Renault (Alpine’s parent company) lend credibility to this speculation. In late May, Renault Group announced a joint venture with Geely Automobile Group, forming Haosi Powertrain Company, indicating mutual interest beyond road cars. While initially unrelated to F1, Zhou Guanyu has expressed Geely’s strong interest in Formula One. Currently with Sauber, Zhou Guanyu’s contract ends this year following a season with mixed performance.