Zhou Guanyu made history in 2022 by becoming the first ever Grand Prix starter from China. He drives for Alfa Romeo Racing in Formula 1, alongside veteran Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas. Zhou Guanyu car is not part of a big collection.
The following are 5 facts you may not have known about the young Chinese driver.
- He attended school in Sheffield.
- He enjoys Yorkshire puddings.
- He has skill in snooker.
- His previous nickname was “Steve” but now is “Joe.”
- He once drove in an inverted position at the Silverstone track!
Zhou Guanyu Road to F1
The young Chines driver started his racing journey at the age of five, when he attended the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai and cheered for his hero Fernando Alonso.
Zhou relocated to Sheffield at the age of 12 due to his kart racing team’s base being there. He secured victories in two major UK karting championships and completed his GCSEs at a nearby school.
After joining Ferrari’s Junior Driver Academy, he decided to end his A-Level studies to move to Italy. He consistently advanced in his career.
In 2018, he opted to join the Renault Alpine driver program, which provided more chances to test F1 cars privately. It also allowed him to use the simulator, an essential tool for modern drivers.
By this time, Zhou was competing in Formula Two, which is one step away from F1. However, this transition is challenging, and many drivers don’t manage to make it.
Zhou spent three seasons in F2, aiming to secure enough race victories and points to earn an FIA Super License. This is a critical requirement to compete in F1.
Zhou Guanyu Joined the F1 Grid for the 2022 season
After a fairly strong 2021 season with four victories, it was announced that Zhou would be joining the F1 in 2022 as a driver for Alfa Romeo Sauber. His teammate is Valtteri Bottas, a former teammate of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes with 10 Grand Prix wins.
Bottas was viewed as a significant measure for Zhou’s performance. Yet, the decision to select Zhou over the 2021 F2 champion Oscar Piastri as the driver sparked some debate.
In 2022 he scored his first points in his second race and finished the season with 10 points and a best result of eighth place. He also earned praise for his mature and consistent driving, as well as his ability to adapt to different conditions and circuits.
For 2023, Zhou has higher expectations from himself and his team, as he hopes to build on his rookie season and challenge for more points and podiums.
Zhou Guanyu Car
Zhou does not have a vast collection of supercars – mainly due to his age, and the fact that he is still considered a rookie in f1 and is therefore not earning a huge salary.
Driving for a works team means that he gets allocated a car from the Alpha Romeo line up – in his case this is a Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
Zhou Guanyu Car – Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a stunning sports sedan that offers exhilarating performance, sharp handling, and exotic beauty.
The Engine and Transmission
It features a 505-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that sounds amazing and delivers blistering acceleration. The eight-speed automatic transmission is well-calibrated and responsive, but some enthusiasts may miss the option of a manual gearbox.
The Chassis and Steering
The Giulia Quadrifoglio also boasts a sport-tuned chassis that provides agile and precise steering. It also has an active suspension and a limited-slip rear differential that enhance its driving dynamics.
The Car’s Design and Interior
The car’s exterior design is gorgeous and distinctive, with a bulging hood, a large grille, and quad exhaust tips. The interior is generously equipped with leather upholstery, navigation, wireless phone charger, Harman/Kardon audio system, and several driver-assistance features.
However, the cabin is not as luxurious or spacious as some of its rivals, and the car’s reliability record is questionable.
Zhou Guanyu Car – Our Summary
The 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is not for everyone, but for those who value driving thrills and Italian flair, it is a compelling choice.
| Performance | Time |
|---|---|
| Zero to 60 mph | 3.6 sec |
| Zero to 100 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Sero to 130 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Rolling start, 5–60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Top gear, 30–50 mph | 2.4 sec |
| Top gear, 50–70 mph | 2.4 sec |
| Standing ¼-mile | 11.9 sec @ 121 mph |
| Top speed (manufacturers Claim) | 191 mph |
Check Out All the F1 Drivers Car Collections
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