Frustration Fuels Zhou and Bottas’ Drive to Come Back

Zhou and Bottas endured tough finales but remain determined to reclaim their spots in Formula 1’s competitive grid.

Guanyu Zhou failed to finish in the points at Abu Dhabi, and despite a tough race, he believes it would have been impossible even under ideal circumstances, as his car lacked the pace to contend for the top 10 in the season’s final race.

“The race could have been slightly better; we pitted too early after the first stint. But in terms of raw pace, points were out of reach. Maybe one or two positions higher, but no more,” the Chinese driver stated.

“I gave it my all during the race and enjoyed it as I have over these three years. It went by quickly, but there were also tough moments. I’m happy to start a new chapter and proud to have delivered points for the team before the end of this era with Valtteri and me.”

Though this was, for now, his last F1 race, Zhou remains optimistic: “My emotions are different from others because I think I’ve shown what the car could do, and I still have a chance to return. Maybe not next year, but in 2026. I’m looking forward to that moment; I feel like I’m not done with Formula 1 and will prepare for a comeback.”

Valtteri Bottas faced a challenging final race with two collisions, both of which he was responsible for, involving Sergio Pérez and Kevin Magnussen, the latter incident forcing him to retire: “It wasn’t an ideal end, but these things happen. It’s not the first time; that’s racing.”

“But everything went wrong from the first lap. There was the incident and a penalty, and then I was at the back of the pack. The collision with Kevin was my fault; I tried to brake as late as possible on old tires, but I couldn’t stop the car.”

As for 2025? The Finn is nearing a decision: “I don’t know yet. My focus was on this weekend, but I’ll have time next week to decide. This isn’t how I wanted to finish, and that’s why I’m not done with Formula 1,” Bottas concluded, answering “yes” when asked if he would return.

Notably, Valtteri Bottas received a five-place grid penalty for his collision with Kevin Magnussen… but he may never serve it if he doesn’t come back!