Despite recent speculation suggesting that Zhou Guanyu lacked the funds to continue his Formula 1 career, the first Chinese F1 driver will keep his seat at Alfa Romeo for 2024. The Alfa Romeo line-up will remain unchanged with Valtteri Bottas as his teammate and Theo Pouchaire as the reserve driver.

“Signing again with the team is always a great feeling, especially when we know how things are shaping up,” said Guanyu. “I am proud to be part of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake and grateful for their trust: I have been working extremely hard since day one and there is an incredible level of motivation to keep doing so every day forward.

“My relationship with Valtteri is really good, and we are working closely together and with the team to push everyone forward. I am also very excited about the opportunity to finally race with my team in China, in front of my home crowd. It will be a great moment and I’m proud to be able to share it with all those who have supported me.”

The Chinese Grand Prix is set to return in 2024 after losing its place on the calendar after the COVID stricken 2020 season.

Interestingly, Alfa Romeo’s sponsor deal with Sauber is set to end in 2024 so it begs the question, what will the Sauber be called next year? They have been bought by Audi but their name won’t appear until 2026. The name Alfa Romeo may disappear from F1 though there are rumours they might switch to Haas.