Zhou Guanyu’s association with the Alfa Romeo F1 team has been extended through the 2023 season. During his successful first season, Zhou demonstrated levels of maturity and racecraft that call his youth into question, helping the team advance to P6 in the Constructors’ Championship.
Zhou made an entrance on the grandest platform in motorsport by winning points on his debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix after being the first driver from China to compete in Formula One. Having a solid working relationship with teammate Valtteri Bottas, he made an impression on the team with his dedication and attitude. He also showed improvement in his performances, both in qualifying and the race, over time.
Team leader Frédéric Vasseur: “I am eager to continue working with Zhou. He struck me with his work ethic from the moment he joined the team, at the Abu Dhabi test last year, and this is usually an admirable quality. Although we were aware of his speed, one of our season’s finest shocks has been how quickly he learned how to adjust to Formula One. Everyone on the team like both his personality and attitude because he is such a great guy. He has the intelligence to use all the knowledge he has acquired to make improvements race every race, as well as the humility to learn from the engineers and Valtteri. He will be able to build on this experience in the upcoming season, and I do not doubt that he will advance further as our club develops.”
Zhou Guanyu: “I’m thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN for another season. Being accepted into Formula One was a dream come true, and the experience of competing in my first race will stay with me always. The team has been wonderfully helpful, welcoming me from day one and assisting me in adjusting to the most challenging series in motorsport. We have worked hard since the beginning of the year to get where we want to be for next season, but there is much more I want to do in this sport and with the team. There is still much to learn and grow in, but I am confident in our work and eagerly awaiting the next chapter of our shared tale.”
Alfa Romeo CEO Jean Philippe Imparato: “Guanyu Zhou, the first Chinese driver in Formula 1, and I am excited to continue tackling the difficulties of F1 through 2023. The dedication and strategy of Guanyu have all left an impression on us. Beyond his successful track record, he helps Alfa Romeo establish itself as a premier brand around the world. Guanyu Zhou has exhibited a daring mindset, personifying one of the guiding principles of our company. He will continue to support the Brand in leveraging F1 awareness during the 2023 F1 season, particularly in the Chinese market, which is crucial to Alfa Romeo’s future.
