Zhou takes swipe at false rumours over F1 future

Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu has dismissed rumours suggesting a lack of personal sponsorship will cost him his place on the F1 grid.

The Chinese driver has held his own alongside Valtteri Bottas since making the step into the sport last season but has become the subject of 'silly season' rumours since the start of the summer break.

There have been suggestions that Zhou could be moved on due to a lack of funding to help Sauber, who will transition from Alfa Romeo to the Audi works team in 2026, evolve over the coming years.

Delays to contract negotiations haven't helped his position but speaking to media including RacingNews365.com, Zhou said: "It is a little bit more delayed than I expected.

"They are just going through more details on the contract and me, together with Alfa Romeo, trying to figure out all the final details.

"From my side, nothing has changed. I keep trying to do the best I can on track and then the rest, I will leave to them.

"In terms of when I will sign I have no answer, but we are talking more on that and getting closer.

"I am happy to spend more years with this team because the future is bright, the team is heading up.

"Nothing is sure until I sign the contract, nothing has been decided but we are getting very close to that point.

"It has been heading a lot further since the summer break, so nobody was looking at their phone."

Rumours are made up

Responding to the rumours surrounding his sponsorship packages, Zhou explained: "Of course, I have personal sponsors and I don't feel like I lack any foundations on that.

"Rumours are made up, but all the details we need to talk about with the team because it is not like it is the first contract, the second one is more [focused] on details because it is your second contract in F1.

"Nothing to be majorly worried about because I feel like what I show on track deserves to be in this paddock."