Two prominent motorsport commentators have reached a consensus: Guanyu Zhou may not deserve his place in Formula 1.
Although Zhou is still considered a potential candidate to remain with Audi's Sauber team next year, and there's talk of a possible move to Alpine in 2025, his future remains uncertain.
"We're talking and there are options, but we need to wait and see," Zhou stated just before the August break, acknowledging that taking a reserve role in 2025 is also possible.
Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, believes a reserve position is a suitable alternative for Zhou. "Based on the results, Zhou doesn't deserve a seat in F1," Villeneuve commented. "If a team can get all that sponsorship money that Zhou brings with him, even as a reserve driver, then it's a great result for them."
Dutch racing personality Tom Coronel concurs, particularly from a strategic standpoint. He remarked on Zhou's value to the sport during a conversation with Formule 1 magazine. "We saw what happened at the Chinese GP," he said. "Full grandstands. Politically, I understand that there has to be a Chinese in Formula 1."
However, Coronel is skeptical about just how long Zhou has held onto his race seat. "Let him drive for half a season for all I care. It will be a financial story as well as a political one, but based on quality, he has absolutely no business in Formula 1.
Coronel compares Zhou unfavorably to Valtteri Bottas, stating, "I rank him lower than (Valtteri) Bottas, because with his track record, you can't say he's a pancake," he added. "But I don't see the potential in Zhou."
Coronel predicts a swift decline in Zhou's presence in the sport. "Believe me, in five years we'll all have forgotten him. He leaves nothing behind. No great overtaking moves - nothing."
