Zhou Guanyu opens up about the weight on his shoulders being the first Chinese F1 driver

The Shanghainese driver Zhou Guanyu opened up about the struggles of being the solo Chinese driver on the grid.

Zhou Guanyu opens up about the weight on his shoulders being the first Chinese F1 driver

Zhou Guanyu (Via IMAGO)

Zhou Guanyu etched his name in the books of Formula 1 as the first-ever Chinese driver in Formula 1. Born in Shanghai, he was the first and still is the only Chinese driver to start a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Guanyu is also the only Chinese driver to score points in F1, which he achieved on his debut race at the Bahrain GP.

Guanyu opened up and said that it was a lot of pressure to be the sole Chinese driver ever in the sport. The Chinese racer later added that it was his dream to be a racer since he was a kid. Talking about the fans, he claimed that they wanted to see one of their home drivers on the grid of Formula 1.

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It’s a lot of pressure, of course. But nevertheless, it’s nice to be the first Chinese driver on the grid. It’s something I’ve been chasing for, my dream since I was a kid. Also the people and all the fans back there wanted one of their home drivers to be on this grid for such a long period.

Guanyu told si.com

The 24-year-old added how the mistakes are really ‘zoomed out,’ and everyone has their attention on you as the singular racer from a country. He added that everyone keeps an ‘eye’ on him and nitpicks his performance.

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I’m really happy to be the one, but everybody is keeping an eye on you. Mistakes can be zoomed out massively, because you’re the only one, and they’re watching you all the time. Getting all your onboard videos, every race.

Guanyu also commented on the journey for F1 and claimed that his time in motorsports had already started since he was in Formula 2. People sought Guanyu as the only hope for Chinese involvement in Formula 1. And with Chinese GP reportedly back in 2024, Guanyu showcases his excitement.

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Zhou Guanyu also opened up about shifting from China to England

Zhou Guanyu added how it was difficult to move from Shanghai, a big city, to a small city like Sheffield. Moving to Sheffield brought about a big culture change for the Shanghainese in the way they lived and the people in the city. The primary reason for moving to Sheffield was the proximity to the manufacturing factory of Alfa Romeo.

Alfa Romeo drivers Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu; image credits: The Race

Guanyu also talked about the massive motorsports culture in England compared to Shanghai. The shift in countries also helped the 24-year-old to gain a better education for himself and his family, and he finally claimed that it was a fun journey nevertheless.

The Shanghainese has scored six points this season and has scored mediocre results in the recent race. Despite the difficult races, the driver moves forward confidently and hopes to score greater results in the upcoming races.

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