Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu is a Chinese racing driver who made history as the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1 in over 10 years. Born on May 30, 1999, in Shanghai, China, Zhou has quickly established himself as a promising young talent in motorsport. His career is a testament to his determination, skill, and the growing motorsport scene in China.

Zhou began his motorsport career in karting at a young age, where he quickly gained recognition for his speed and consistency. His success in karting led to his transition into single-seater racing, and in 2015, he made his debut in the Formula 4 Chinese Championship. Zhou showed strong potential in his rookie season, and he quickly moved up the ranks of junior motorsport.

In 2016, Zhou competed in the Formula 4 British Championship, where he further showcased his talent and finished in the top 10 in the championship standings. His strong performances in Formula 4 led to his progression into more competitive junior formulas, and in 2017, he joined the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, one of the key stepping stones for young drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1.

Zhou’s breakthrough came in 2018, when he joined the FIA Formula 3 Championship, driving for the ART Grand Prix team. In his debut season, he immediately stood out with his pace and consistency, securing several podium finishes and impressing many with his racecraft. His strong performances earned him a move to Formula 2 in 2019, the final step before reaching Formula 1.

In Formula 2, Zhou continued to develop his skills, consistently challenging for podiums and wins. He finished third in the 2020 Formula 2 Championship, securing his place as one of the top young drivers in motorsport. His consistent results and impressive performances in Formula 2 earned him a test driver role with Alfa Romeo Racing in 2020, and in 2021, he was announced as a full-time driver for the team, making his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo Racing for the 2022 season.

His continued success in Formula 1 will be vital in inspiring future generations of Chinese motorsport talent.