Zhou Guanyu of is all smiles before qualifying for the F1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, Aug. 27, 2022. (Photo by Qian Jun/Xinhua)
China's first F1 driver Zhou Guanyu is willing to show not only Chinese speed, but also culture and sporting spirit.
BEIJING, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- More than halfway through his rookie Formula 1 season, it was announced that Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu will remain with Alfa Romeo for 2023.
After his contract renewal, Zhou told Xinhua that he not only expects to show Chinese speed as the country's first F1 driver, but also to present Chinese culture and sporting spirit to the world.
Since the announcement in November 2021 that Zhou would race for Alfa Romeo in 2022, Zhou has been facing doubts and questions over his ability, but has answered his critics with solid points.
Zhou finished tenth on his F1 debut in Bahrain to score his first ever championship point. In the Canadian Grand Prix, Zhou took a strong eighth place, achieving his best finish in F1, while in Italy, Zhou once again finished inside the points.
Zhou in conversation with an engineer after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Sept. 11, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
On September 27, Alfa Romeo announced the extension of Zhou's contract, an acknowledgment of his ability.
Unlike the excited and nervous rookie from 2021, 23-year-old Zhou is now more mature and confident.
"I was able to meet the team's expectations in every aspect in my rookie year, so I knew it would not be an issue to extend my contract," Zhou said. "I felt I deserved it."
Alfa Romeo team principal Frederic Vasseur spoke highly of Zhou's performance in his rookie year.
"I am looking forward to continuing working with Zhou. From day one with the team, at the Abu Dhabi test last year, he has impressed me with his approach to work and this is always a very positive trait.
"We knew he was quick, but the way he adapted to Formula 1 in such a short time has been one of the best surprises of our season."
"He will have this experience to draw on next season, and I am sure he will make another step forward as we continue to grow our team," Vasseur added.
Zhou in action during first practice ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sept. 30, 2022. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Besides his performance, Zhou's helmet has also impressed many, as it is printed with a white and purple porcelain pattern redolent of Chinese cultural elements, while the reverse side features China's national flag.
Zhou's special edition helmet at the Singapore Grand Prix was printed with the Chinese sentence "Zhou likes bubble tea".
It hasn't been easy so far this season for Zhou, as he had to retire from several races due to mechanical failures and accidents.
In the British Grand Prix, Zhou's car flipped and went upside down at high speed and became stuck in between the inner catch fencing. Fortunately, Zhou escaped serious injury.
"I'm just happy to still be racing," Zhou said of the accident. "I'm glad I didn't get hurt. After so many years of training, I can adjust my mindset well and get ready to race immediately."
Zhou also admitted that there is still a lot to work on for the rest of the season, adding that he hopes to understand his car better and adapt to different circuits and environments more quickly.
"The goal is definitely the same, which is to get more points," Zhou noted. "The goals set for each stage are difficult and challenging, but I will not change them."
"I'm really looking forward to the Chinese Grand Prix," Zhou said of his home race, which is scheduled to return to the calendar in 2023. "The last time I went to the Shanghai International Circuit was in 2019 and there were a lot of fans."
"It will be a lifetime experience to race at home and hopefully that day will come next year." ■
