Zhou Guanyu earns Sauber's first points of 2024 at Qatar GP
- Sauber secured their first points of the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Qatar Grand Prix held on December 1, 2024.
- Zhou Guanyu, who finished eighth in the race, was recognized as 'driver of the day' for his outstanding performance.
- The result, while celebrated, did not change Sauber's position at the bottom of the constructors' championship standings.
- The four points Zhou scored will provide a much-needed morale boost for the team after a challenging year.
In December 2024, during the Qatar Grand Prix, Formula 1's struggling team Sauber finally made a breakthrough by scoring points for the first time this season. This momentous event took place at the Losail International Circuit, where Zhou Guanyu demonstrated exceptional driving skills, finishing the race in eighth place. Prior to this race, Sauber had been underwhelming, failing to secure any points throughout the 2024 season, which had left them at the bottom of the constructors' championship standings. Despite the challenging circumstances, Zhou's performance earned him the 'driver of the day' title, providing a silver lining to what has been an otherwise disappointing year for Sauber. His success not only brought much-needed pride to the team but also signaled a glimmer of hope for a turnaround in their fortunes. Additionally, Valtteri Bottas, Zhou's teammate, showed promising pace during the race but was ultimately hindered by damage sustained after hitting a wing mirror on the straight, leaving him just outside the points in 11th position. Beneath this victorious surface, however, lay the reality of Sauber's dire situation. Both Zhou and Bottas had been informed that they would not be retained for the 2025 season, with Nico Hulkenberg already signed and set to join the team, while Gabriel Bortoleto, a Formula 2 title contender, was chosen as Hulkenberg's new partner for the upcoming year. Bottas is expected to rejoin Mercedes as a reserve driver, while Zhou's future remains uncertain, though he has expressed the intention to remain close to the Formula 1 circuit. His recent success could enhance his chances as he has been linked with a reserve driver role at Ferrari, who are looking to fill their vacancy. Overall, Zhou's success at the Qatar Grand Prix was a pivotal moment not just for him but for Sauber, as it marked the end of a season filled with struggles and showcased the potential for both personal and team redemption in the competitive landscape of Formula 1.