Is Zhou already better than Bottas?

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Data from 2023 shows China’s Guanyu Zhou (23) has overtaken Finland’s Valtteri Bottas (33). In qualifying Zhou is on average 0.08 seconds faster than Bottas and in the race even 0.2 seconds! What happens in cockpit number 77?

Feel-good oasis Alfa-Sauber

It’s no secret that Bottas has struggled with the balance of the C43 this year. Nevertheless, after five years of “servitude” at Mercedes (balance sheet: 10 wins, 20 pole positions, 58 podiums), he should now be able to live with the “oasis of well-being” in midfield (where he can afford almost everything off the track), without without losing sight of their own performance.

«Both on the same level»

In 2022, Bottas was still Zhou’s teacher, now the student is already taking advantage of the moment. At Alfa-Sauber, Spaniard Xevi Pujolar (50), head of the racing department (and jointly responsible for operations with deputy Bravi and sporting director Zehnder), is still very diplomatic: “I would say the two are about equal now. That’s good for us!”

Nevertheless, the driver duo from Hinwil unfortunately belongs to the last third of the field in terms of the strength of the pair ratings of teams such as Tsunoda and De Vries (Alpha Tauri) and Albon and Sargeant (Williams-Mercedes). Thanks to Hülkenberg (for Schumi), Haas-Ferrari has said goodbye to the wide midfield with the pilot duo. The fans can certainly argue for hours when it comes to choosing a driver.

Where is Vettel going?

Since Formula 1 has advanced with all but two seconds together in qualifying for the first time, you can no longer afford a pilot flop. Or you are quickly away from the window. Of course everything is pre-programmed for 2024 – even at Sauber (because Alfa can). On Thursday, Graz lawyer and Red Bull Motosport boss Dr. Helmut Marko 80. It is rumored that he will soon be replaced by Vettel (35). But Audi is also in contact with the four-time champion.

Source : Blick