Zhou Guanyu gave a considerably higher account of himself in his second season in Method 1 alongside Valtteri Bottas final 12 months. Nevertheless that modest progress has not continued this 12 months and, at a workforce which is able to change at the very least one in all its drivers subsequent 12 months, it’s onerous to make a case for them to proceed with Zhou.
Bottas’ one-lap tempo has been persistently higher than his workforce mate’s. Though the hole narrowed barely final 12 months Zhou has normally ended up behind this 12 months.
Zhou’s race performances have been markedly stronger final 12 months, and on this respect he’s persevering with to carry out pretty effectively in opposition to his extra skilled workforce mate. Nevertheless each drivers face the identical downside that the Sauber has seldom if ever been a factors contender.
The workforce is working onerous to repair this and over the earlier two races Bottas has had the advantage of the most recent elements. As soon as the pair converge on specs we could lastly see the 2 vivid inexperienced automobiles within the hunt for factors.
Whether or not Zhou could make the step from there to ship the sort of outcomes he wants stays to be seen. However on the energy of his performances up to now this 12 months he seems to have plateaued barely under the extent a workforce would need.
That’s a troubling state of affairs for him, as Sauber has already inked a cope with Nico Hulkenberg for subsequent 12 months. Which means its present drivers are vying for the only remaining seat, and up to now Zhou seems just like the one more than likely to overlook out.
Bottas vs Zhou: Season abstract
Bottas vs Zhou: Race-by-race
Unrepresentative comparisons omitted. Unfavorable worth: Bottas was quicker; Constructive worth: Guanyu was quicker
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a each day e-mail with all our newest tales – and nothing else. No advertising, no advertisements. Enroll right here:
Method 1
Browse all Method 1 articles
