'It's Hard' Zhou Opens Up On Hearing Criticism And Disapproval When He Joined F1

Sunday, 24 December 2023 at 01:00

Alfa Romeo/ Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu recently revealed how tough it was for him to hear the criticism coming from multiple sides when he entered Formula One.

Formula One is an extremely competitive sport, and only 20 drivers can race on the grid at the same time. It doesn't happen very often that a new driver gets the chance to race in F1, but when it does, the rookie becomes the center of attention.

When Zhou Guanyu joined Formula One in 2022 to race in Alfa Romeo, a replacement for the retiring World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, many F1 fans thought he wasn't the most suitable driver for the seat in F1. Zhou reflected on the criticism as quoted by Formula 1:

"It was impossible not to hear it. And it’s hard, right, because I worked my entire life for an opportunity like that. My family sacrificed a lot."

Read also

Anticipation Builds As Two Formula One Teams Set Dates On 2024 Car Unveilings

While there are a few undeniable drivers in the sport, Formula One is also about money, as teams have to spend millions and millions of dollars on car development and other expenses.

Therefore, often, drivers that can bring bigger and better sponsors can get the seat over the more talented ones with fewer resources. Zhou was accused of being the driver who got into the sport for money.

"We moved from China to Sheffield when I was 12. It took everything. Some luck, too. And then before I ever get a chance to race, it’s, ‘he doesn’t deserve it, it should be so-and-so, he’s only there because of money"

On the other hand, Zhou showed his qualities when he scored points right during the first race of his career by finishing tenth in the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. He also became the first Chinese driver to race and score points in F1. The 24-year-old added:

"To be the first Chinese driver in F1 history… it’s everything to me. I’m so proud of where I’m from — the support I’ve received from everyone back home."

Zhou's current contract with Sauber/ Alfa Romeo lasts until the end of the 2024 season. So far, he hasn't been able to beat his teammate in the Championship battle, but he needs to show what he's got in 2025 to retain his seat in F1.