The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be a very emotional weekend, particularly for some drivers switching teams or even leaving Formula 1.
Max Verstappen has already wrapped up his fourth consecutive world championship in Las Vegas but the Constructors’ Championship is still up for grabs.
McLaren leads the way and are 24 points ahead of their nearest challengers, Ferrari, who have both improved this year and been consistently quicker than Red Bull.
Lewis Hamilton will also be leaving Mercedes and joining the Italian team after enduring three tough years at the end of his time at Brackley.
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard explained that he spoke to one driver in particular who is heading to the final round at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with confidence.
David Coulthard travelled with Zhou Guanyu to Abu Dhabi who was ‘loving life’
Zhou Guanyu will be leaving the Formula 1 grid at the end of the season after Sauber have recruited Formula 2 championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto and Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg.
The Chinese driver has struggled alongside Valtteri Bottas since Zhou made his debut in the 2022 season after a mixed Formula 2 career.
He has been consistently outperformed by the 10-time Grand Prix winner but scored his and Sauber’s first points of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix.
The Chinese driver finished in eighth place at the Lusail International Circuit. Zhou put together a strong race with a slice of luck, as Hamilton and Carlos Sainz both suffered punctures.
READ MORE: Lando Norris sends seven-word message to Zhou Guanyu after he scored Sauber’s first points at Qatar Grand Prix
Coulthard explained on the Formula For Success podcast that the Sauber driver was pleased with his drive to P8 and is hoping Zhou can return and find another F1 seat in the future.
He said: “Shout out to Zhou Guanyu. I was on the flight with him. He was loving the fact that with one Grand Prix to go, things have finally come right.
“It’s a shame that the Chinese dream hasn’t worked, and that he’s a perfectly good racing driver. Valtteri is a Grand Prix winner, and Zhou hasn’t been blown away or embarrassed in his role. So hopefully, he will find another maybe to have the chance to come back.”
Cadillac’s arrival in 2026 may open up an opportunity for Zhou Guanyu
Zhou won’t be on the Formula 1 grid next season, but the field in 2026 will be expanded to 11 teams and, therefore, 22 cars.
This will allow for more opportunities at the highest level as a new manufacturer joins the grid as Formula 1 announces new regulations.
Zhou has three years of experience in Formula 1 and he has put in some good races such as last time out in Qatar but struggled for consistency.
A year on the sidelines or racing in a category outside of Formula 1 may allow Zhou to hone his craft. Cadillac may like an American driver to attract sponsors, making life difficult for Zhou.
