Formula 1: Obvious announcement leaves three seats open

Zhou Guanyu is set to return to Alfa Romeo for the 2023 Formula 1 season, an obvious decision which leaves just three seats open for next year.

The lone rookie on the grid for the 2022 Formula 1 season is set to retain his seat for at least another year, as Alfa Romeo have confirmed that Zhou Guanyu is set to be back in 2023.

There had been rumblings of Sauber Academy and Formula 2 driver Theo Pourchaire possibly taking his seat, but that won’t happen next year.

This confirmation solidifies the team’s driver lineup for 2023, as teammate Valtteri Bottas had already been under contract on a multi-year deal after joining the team from Mercedes ahead of the current season.

While his point total isn’t all that close to that of Bottas, Zhou’s speed throughout his rookie season, coupled with his financial backing, made Alfa Romeo’s decision to extend his contract an obvious one.

The 23-year-old Chinese driver has shown great potential through the season when he hasn’t been hindered by mechanical issues, which have taken him out of four races, including a few in which he was likely to score points.

His lone non-mechanical DNF came at Silverstone, where a massive multi-car collision resulted in his C42 flipping over the tire barrier in the first corner, leading to a lengthy red flag period.

He scored a point in his Formula 1 debut in Bahrain with a 10th place finish, and he recently added another point with a 10th place finish in Monza. He finished in a career-high eighth in Montreal back in mid-June, scoring four points. He also made back-to-back Q3 appearances in Montreal and Silverstone.

Zhou’s confirmation means that there are three seats still available on the grid for 2023, though there are four which could technically see change.

Alpine, Haas, and Williams each have an open seat, though Haas could still opt to retain Mick Schumacher. Alpine are set to lose Fernando Alonso to Aston Martin as Sebastian Vettel’s replacement while Williams have opted to cut ties with Nicholas Latifi.

Pierre Gasly’s AlphaTauri seat could still go to somebody else, however, with Gasly still rumored to make the move to Alpine. AlphaTauri would only allow the move if they can find a suitable replacement, but there are some possibilities.