Chinese Formula 1 driver Zhou Guanyu says he's confident he will continue his career with Sauber as negotiations continue over a new contract. Zhou became the sport's first ever Chinese driver when he joined the Alfa Romeo Stake team in August 2021 and signed a new one-year deal in September 2022 after impressing in his debut season.

Alfa Romeo's car is manufactured by Sauber and the Italian road car company is withdrawing from the sport at the end of 2023. Zhou's contract is also set to expire at the end of this year and a deal is yet to be agreed between the driver and his team, sparking rumors he could look to move elsewhere. 

But in an exclusive interview with CGTN Europe he insists his short-term focus is firmly on staying where he is.

"I don't know where I'll be in two years but right now I'm very happy," he said to CGTN. "Next year my aim is to stay here, me and the team know each other much better after working together for two years."

WATCH: Sauber boss says Zhou's contract talks are 'top priority'

Contract discussions have been ongoing for some time and it has been suggested that money could be an issue. But Zhou is adamant that finances aren't a problem and is confident an agreement will be reached.

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"I don't think there are money issues," he said. "People always like to create rumours around me and money. I know what's going on in the background, maybe (the talks) have been a little bit delayed but it's all about the final details now, everything is always a bit more complicated than the first contract."

Alessandro Alunni Bravi is the Managing Director of Sauber, the manufacturer of Alfa Romeo's F1 car. He played a pivotal role in luring Zhou to F1 after he impressed with his performances in Formula 2, where he finished third in the 2021 season.

Bravi says he remains a fan of his talents and that a new contract is close to fruition. "He remains a priority. Two years ago there were very few people trusting in our choice (in signing Zhou)," he says. "He joined our team on sporting merit and impressed in Bahrain scoring his first point in his first race. We've seen him making good progress since then." 

When asked why a new deal hadn't yet been agreed, Bravi outlined the process involved in agreeing a new contract, while reiterating the team's desire for stability in terms of its drivers.

He added: "When you discuss contracts with drivers there are many aspects to discuss: the duration of the contract, the position of the driver. What is our vision for the drivers in the future? What will the relationship be like between the team and Zhou's partners? There are lots of elements but the priority for us is stability and we all know both parties that this is the basis for our discussion." 

Alfa Romeo are currently ninth out of 10 teams in F1's Constructor's Championship, while Zhou is ranked 16 out of the 22 drivers on the grid after picking up four points so far this season. Bravi says the team is pushing hard to give him a more consistent car to help him to deliver more consistent performances.

"We know that this season our package is less competitive than season 2022, and this is why we can see more ups and downs," he said. "We are less consistent, I don't think Zhou is less consistent. As a team, we are less consistent and this is why we are pushing to develop the car until the very last Grand Prix."

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Cover image:/Reuters/Jennifer Lorenzini