After spending three seasons competing for Alfa Romeo and later Sauber, Zhou Guanyu could have believed that his tenure within the System 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 approach for Haas standout Nico Hülkenberg and newly topped System 2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto. Nevertheless, Zhou had no intention of strolling away from System 1 and remained linked with a number of alternatives throughout the grid.
Reviews prompt Crimson Bull thought of Zhou as a possible reserve driver, notably as a result 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 companies, 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 report of simply 16 factors throughout 68 Grand Prix begins.
Whereas his statistics will not be essentially the most spectacular, Zhou did handle to outscore the much more skilled Valtteri Bottas in 2024, along 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. Nevertheless, many argue that his struggles have been largely as a result of Sauber’s underperforming automotive relatively than his personal shortcomings. Ought to Ferrari discover itself needing a substitute, Zhou could possibly 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 often than some could anticipate.
Lewis Hamilton as soon as praised Zhou Guanyu after standout qualifying show
Throughout 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 great 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, on condition 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 System 1, additional highlighting the mutual respect between the 2 drivers.
Throughout his debut System 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 problem of sustaining dominance in System 1, noting that profitable seven championships was a rare feat, no matter having the very best automotive, as success nonetheless required immense ability 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 they’d not recognized one another for lengthy, Zhou famous that 2022 was the primary season wherein he really obtained 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 means of 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 12 months, utilizing their expertise and experience to refine his expertise and additional develop as a driver.
With an eye fixed on securing a full-time return to the System 1 grid in 2026, he stays decided to place himself for any potential alternatives. Though a direct path again by means of Ferrari seems inconceivable, the workforce’s in depth community and affect throughout the paddock may finally work to his benefit, opening doorways that may in any other case stay closed.
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