Formula One, the pinnacle of motorsport, has seen 776 drivers in its 74-year history, but it wasn't until 2022 that a Chinese racer, Zhou Guanyu, made his mark on the sport. Zhou's journey to F1 began in karting at the age of eight in China before moving to England to further his racing career with the Strawberry Racing Karting team.
After winning multiple titles in the UK and being signed to the Ferrari Driver Academy, Zhou progressed through various junior series before joining the Alpine academy and eventually making his way to Formula Two.
In 2021, Zhou's third-place finish in the F2 championship caught the attention of Alfa Romeo, who signed him to a multi-year deal, fulfilling his dream of racing in Formula One. Zhou's debut in Bahrain saw him score points with a 10th place finish, setting the stage for his career in F1.
Despite facing challenges with an often uncompetitive car, Zhou has shown resilience and determination, scoring points on multiple occasions and earning two fastest laps. His journey has not been without setbacks, notably a harrowing crash at Silverstone in 2022, where his car flipped over before skidding across the track and gravel. Zhou credited the halo protection device for saving his life and continued his rookie campaign undeterred.
Off the track, Zhou is known for his fashion sense, drawing comparisons to Lewis Hamilton for his stylish outfits. His helmet designs and car livery reflect his unique personality, with the number 24 paying tribute to his hero, Kobe Bryant.
As the first Chinese racer in F1, Zhou aims to inspire younger generations in China and pave the way for more diversity in the sport. With a positive outlook on his achievements and a desire for continuous improvement, Zhou looks forward to a successful career on the grid for years to come.
