The brutal realism of not having a drive in 2025 is beginning to sink in, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman both poised to make the step up from F2. Known as ‘silly season’, to describe the speculation about the feverish movement to secure a spot for next season; personally the term has always grated, because it is not especially silly and all rather exciting. This season it was started earlier than usual.
” Zhou has seen his chances of showing his potential limited by failing to be in a position to fight for points, unlike his team-mate Bottas, who of course achieved 10 wins – all during his time with Mercedes. Consequently, Zhou knows he is under pressure to attract attention from other teams. “I don't know in one lap or in the race graph or the way you communicate with the teams - so of course it would be nice if we could fight more closely, top 10.