Zhou impresses Alfa Romeo
Very impressive for his first season in Formula 1, Guanyu Zhou not only impressed the followers of the category. His team itself was pleasantly surprised.
When Alfa Romeo announced the appointment of Guanyu Zhou for 2022 on November 16th, many didn’t expect much from this driver who had completed three seasons in Formula 2. However, in nine Grand Prix races, the Chinese driver has so far proven that he deserves his place in the top category.
With only five points scored, which is nearly five times less than his teammate Valtteri Bottas who has 46, the score sheet is far from favorable for him. But Zhou has often been a victim of bad luck with the reliability of his C42 and could have scored many more points without it.
Beyond the simple driver ranking, it is Zhou’s work that leaves a lasting impression. Consistent and having made no rookie mistakes, the one who bears the number 24 continues to improve. This is also noted by his team, including Xevi Pujolar, the track engineering manager at Alfa Romeo.
He builds the weekends very gradually. Even during the race, he takes all the information we give him and uses it to do what we need with the tires. And not only during the race, but also in qualifying. I also think that he has this approach without making mistakes. If you can avoid accidents, it contributes a lot to the confidence race by race and it is also his strength. So if we can stay like this, I think he has a bright future in F1, says Pujolar.
Zhou also has the favor of his boss, Frédéric Vasseur, who speaks highly of him. « You must separate the performance of the car and the drivers from the results. I think in Baku, Zhou had a very solid pace, he was fighting with Vettel before his retirement, and I believe the performance was there. […] I am truly convinced that as soon as we return to tracks that he knows very well, he will perform even better, but I am more than happy with the work he has done so far. »
If bad luck permanently leaves him alone, Guanyu Zhou can be a serious contender for the top ten every weekend. Especially, the Chinese driver must not relax, as his place for 2023 is not guaranteed since a certain Théo Pourchaire is pushing behind him.
