Alfa Romeo’s Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou has had to prove his skills at the wheel of an F1 car this season.
Guanyu Zhou had doubts about his skills, especially in the early season. AOP
For this season Valtteri Bottas washed up as a team mate for Alfa Romeo Guanyu Zhou has told For Autosport for the unpleasant reception he received in the F1 series.
The Chinese Zhou received criticism before the start of the season, as his driving skills were questioned and he was also considered a shop driver.
– It hurt a little. When people don’t really follow your journey and talk in that style, it didn’t feel good to me, Zhou stated.
– I was quite surprised by the number of people who commented in a racist or otherwise outrageous tone.
Zhou had shown his skills even before joining Alfa Romeo, when he finished third in the 2021 F2 series.
Since Zhou comes from China, a country with a huge population, he has been seen to some extent as F1’s trump card for the country’s market.
– Many fans do not follow F2 or junior series. They just follow F1 and think that being Chinese is the only reason I got the seat.
However, Zhou has proven this season that he is an F1-level driver in terms of his driving skills. His best performance so far is eighth place at the Canadian GP.
– What I can do myself is prove everything on the track. I think we have been able to do that, so I am very happy, Zhou rejoiced.
After 13 races, Zhou is 17th in the World Series. Teammate Bottas has collected 41 points more than the Chinese.