After spending three seasons competing for Alfa Romeo and later Sauber, Zhou Guanyu might have believed that his tenure within the Method 1 paddock was set to conclude in 2025.
With Sauber opting to overtake its driver lineup for 2025, each Zhou and teammate Valtteri Bottas discovered themselves with out seats, making method for Haas standout Nico Hülkenberg and newly topped Method 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Nonetheless, Zhou had no intention of strolling away from Method 1 and remained linked with a number of alternatives throughout the grid.
Experiences recommended Purple Bull thought-about Zhou as a possible reserve driver, notably as a consequence of his potential function in aiding the event of younger expertise like Arvid Lindblad. However on Wednesday, it was formally confirmed that Ferrari had secured Zhou’s providers, assigning him to share reserve duties alongside one other former Sauber driver, Antonio Giovinazzi. This transfer retains the 25-year-old’s F1 aspirations alive regardless of a modest document of simply 16 factors throughout 68 Grand Prix begins.
Whereas his statistics will not be probably the most spectacular, Zhou did handle to outscore the much more skilled Valtteri Bottas in 2024, together with his standout efficiency coming on the Qatar Grand Prix, the place he completed eighth and earned widespread recognition for his efforts.
Former Haas workforce principal Guenther Steiner was fast to downplay Zhou’s season, claiming he solely had one sturdy race in 2024. Nonetheless, many argue that his struggles had been largely as a consequence of Sauber’s underperforming automotive slightly than his personal shortcomings. Ought to Ferrari discover itself needing a substitute, Zhou may very well be referred to as upon to step in for both Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc in the course of the 2025 season.
As demonstrated by new Haas recruit Oliver Bearman, sudden call-ups can happen extra continuously than some might anticipate.
Lewis Hamilton as soon as praised Zhou Guanyu after standout qualifying show
In the course of the qualifying session for the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix, Zhou delivered a career-best efficiency by securing fifth place on the grid. The achievement caught the eye of seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, who acknowledged Zhou’s efforts in the course of the pre-race lap of the observe.
Hamilton, who had secured pole place for the race, approached the then-Alfa Romeo driver and stated, “Nice job yesterday, man! Actually nice job!” Zhou responded with a easy however appreciative, “Have a very good race!”
Regardless of ranging from the entrance, Hamilton was unable to forestall Max Verstappen from clinching one more race win, whereas Zhou endured a tough afternoon. A poor begin led to a collision with Daniel Ricciardo, which in flip triggered a multi-car incident that compelled each Alpine drivers to retire. Zhou finally completed in sixteenth place, removed from the expectations set by his spectacular qualifying run.
Whereas the race itself was disappointing, it served as a reminder of the uncooked expertise that Ferrari now hopes to make the most of. Zhou’s return to the Scuderia’s ranks is one thing of a full-circle second, provided that he was a member of their driver academy between 2014 and 2018.
Zhou Guanyu has additionally spoken prior to now about Lewis Hamilton’s profound affect on Method 1, additional highlighting the mutual respect between the 2 drivers.
Throughout his debut Method 1 season in 2022, Zhou Guanyu mirrored on Lewis Hamilton’s profession and the challenges he had confronted. He remarked on Hamilton’s potential to deal with immense strain, describing it as outstanding.
Zhou Guanyu drew parallels between his personal experiences at first of the season and the struggles Hamilton had endured at varied factors in his profession. He acknowledged that whereas Hamilton needed to navigate these challenges whereas competing for a number of F1 titles, his personal focus was extra on securing factors and maximizing his automotive’s potential. Expressing his admiration, Guanyu Zhou emphasised the extent of respect he had for Hamilton’s achievements.
The previous Sauber man highlighted the issue of sustaining dominance in Method 1, noting that successful seven championships was a unprecedented feat, no matter having the very best automotive, as success nonetheless required immense talent and perseverance.
Zhou Guanyu additionally talked about that Hamilton had congratulated him after his debut race in Bahrain and that they sometimes stayed in contact. Although that they had not recognized one another for lengthy, Zhou famous that 2022 was the primary season wherein he actually bought to know the seven-time champion. He acknowledged that Hamilton, as a competitor, didn’t provide him direct recommendation, however had nonetheless been supportive, recognizing the similarities of their respective journeys by the game.
Zhou Guanyu can be keen to soak up as a lot data as he can from each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc all through the upcoming yr, utilizing their expertise and experience to refine his abilities and additional develop as a driver.
With a watch on securing a full-time return to the Method 1 grid in 2026, he stays decided to place himself for any potential alternatives. Though a direct path again by Ferrari seems unbelievable, the workforce’s in depth community and affect throughout the paddock may finally work to his benefit, opening doorways which may in any other case stay closed.
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