Zhou reveals how sporting inspiration influenced his race number
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Guanyu Zhou
Guanyu Zhou will be the only rookie on the grid in 2022, as he makes his F1 debut with Williams. Zhou scripted history by becoming the first ever Chinese F1 driver. He will drive alongside experienced Finnish driver, Valtteri Bottas who makes his move from Mercedes.
As Formula One rules states, all drivers are allowed to choose their car numbers before starting their careers. Only the reigning champion is allowed to choose between two numbers, either number one or the number he has already been assigned. Max Verstappen has already stated that he will race with number one on his car in 2022.
Zhou has chosen number 24 as his race number, which has been inspired by a sportsperson he idolized a lot. Basketball legend and late, Kobe Bryant was known for number 24, before his sad demise in January 2020.
Zhou on the influence Kobe Bryant has had on him
Zhou reflected on the influence basketball legend, Kobe Bryant has had on him. Zhou stated that although Kobe was a brilliant player and one of the greatest ever, yet he tirelessly worked himself.
“Kobe Bryant was a great inspiration for me when I was more interested in basketball than in motorsport,” Zhou said.
“What made the most impression on me was his work ethic. Although he was considered the best player of his era, he worked tirelessly on himself. He got up at four in the morning, started exercising, then took his kids to school and continued exercising. In addition, 24 is four times six, and six is a lucky number in my home country,” he added.
Zhou will have plenty to learn from in his debut F1 season. He will benefit from having someone like Valtteri Bottas by his side at Alfa Romeo. Moreover, with newer regulations in force from this year, it will be even a bigger challenge for the Chinese rookie.
Also Read: What are Mercedes options if Lewis Hamilton decides to retire
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