China's first and so far only Formula One driver Zhou Guanyu has been handed a one-year contract extension that will see him complete a third season in the sport.

On confirming the announcement Zhou said: "Signing again with the team is always a great feeling, especially when we know how things are shaping up."

Shanghai-born Zhou first entered Formula One in 2022 and has impressed his current employers, claiming four points this year despite his team being ninth out of ten in the constructors' championship.

"I am proud to be part of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake and grateful for their trust: I have been working extremely hard since day one and there is an incredible level of motivation to keep doing so every day forward," Zhou said in statement released by Sauber Motorsport.

Zhou, who drives for Alfa Romeo, will continue to work with the Swiss-based Sauber team next season, which currently manufactures the Alfa Romeo cars. Alfa Romeo has concluded its deal with Sauber and will no longer be the constructor next season, while Sauber has signed a long term deal with Audi which will enter the sport in 2026.

WATCH: Zhou Gunayu speaks exclusively to CGTN Europe before the Singapore GP

Sauber's Managing Director and Alfa Romeo Team Principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi said: "Zhou has made impressive steps forward in the last two years and we expect him to continue on this trajectory in 2024."

Zhou will team up next season with Valtteri Bottas, who is on a multi-year deal with Sauber. Bravi says the team will endeavor to improve on this year's results. 

"Nothing in Formula One changes overnight, and we have taken a conscious decision to focus on stability and to keep building our team up together as we embark on an important period of transition," Bravi said in the official statement. "Valtteri and Zhou are drivers of known talent and skill and they work really well together: they are well-matched and can push each other."

The news means Zhou will be the first Chinese driver to race in a home Grand Prix when the schedule returns to China next year.

"I am also very excited about the opportunity to finally race with my team in China, in front of my home crowd. It will be a great moment and I'm proud to be able to share it with all those who have supported me," Zhou revealed.

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