Zhou: “Scoring points is the best response to criticism”
The first Chinese to race in Formula 1, Guanyu Zhou scored his first point in his first Grand Prix. He reflected on his race and got revenge on those who doubted his ability to drive in the pinnacle category.
After scoring his first point at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Guanyu Zhou reflected on his race and his team’s very good result. The Chinese driver had been the subject of numerous criticisms when he was announced as the successor to Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo, with some believing that he owed his place to the support of his lucrative sponsors.
« I think when I signed my contract [with Alfa Romeo] last season, a lot of people didn’t think I deserved to be in Formula 1,” explained the Chinese driver. « In my mind, I think I have done everything I had to do to deserve my seat in F1. This season, I wanted to reach Q2 to shut some mouths. I am just happy and relieved today to have climbed from P15 to P10, it was more like going from P20 to P10.
The criticisms towards the rookie are motivated by the significant contribution of his sponsors and the appeal he generates for Chinese companies to invest in Alfa Romeo. Zhou is the first Chinese driver to reach the premier category, and the Swiss team undoubtedly saw it as an opportunity to replenish their funds. The Chinese driver quickly found himself categorized as just another paying driver arriving in F1 for more economic reasons than sporting ones, like Lance Stroll, Nikita Mazepin, or even Sergio Perez before him.
Qualified in fifteenth position, Zhou showed that he had excellent driving skills as he climbed up to tenth place by the checkered flag. The third-place finisher in the 2021 F2 season was satisfied with his first Grand Prix, after which his teammate Valtteri Bottas had expressed pride in him.
« Ravi is not the right word to describe this race, emotional would be more appropriate. I was so focused on trying to catch up with the others. I tried every possible maneuver, whether it was in the first or last turn. I think I made the right decisions. » rejoiced the former Alpine Academy member. « The passion within me awakened fully on Sunday. When I looked at my race pace, I told myself that for the second and third stints, I could push even harder. Scoring this point is incredible.
With Zhou’s point and Valtteri Bottas’ sixth place, Alfa Romeo scored nine points in the opening round of this 2022 season, and is already only four points behind their total from last season. A very promising sign for the Swiss team that has been languishing at the back of the grid for several years.
