Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Formula 1

‘Dream come true’ – Guanyu Zhou becomes first Chinese F1 driver after signing for Alfa Romeo to partner Valtteri Bottas

, ‘Dream come true’ – Guanyu Zhou becomes first Chinese F1 driver after signing for Alfa Romeo to partner Valtteri Bottas

GUANYU ZHOU has made history after becoming the first Chinese driver to sign with a Formula 1 team as he joins Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season.

reported last month that the 22-year-old was set to partner Valtteri Bottas by claiming the team’s second seat for next year.

Zhou will make history when he takes to the grid for his first F1 race next year

And now he has formally confirmed the rumours with an emotional message on social media.

Speaking on Twitter, he said: “2022 @alfaromeoracing F1 Driver! A kid’s dream come true… First Chinese F1 driver.

“Lots of emotions going through my mind right now, I’m just so grateful for this opportunity.

“Thanks to everyone who believed me supported me on this journey. #F1 #TeamZHOU.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Zhou is currently second in the Formula 2 championship and also part of the Alpine young driver programme.

He is only the second driver from mainland China to get behind the wheel of an F1 car after Ma Quinghua drove in five practice sessions across 2012 and 2013 with HRT and Caterham.


JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)


Zhou, who was previously part of Ferrari‘s Driver Academy, was told he is free to leave Alpine in pursuit of his F1 dream as they are unwilling to replace either Fernando Alonso or Esteban Ocon.

Zhou, who was won three F2 races this year, replaces Antonio Giovinazzi on the F1 grid as the Italian finds himself without a seat for next season.

The announcement of Zhou means the 2022 F1 grid has now been completed as all 20 drivers have been announced.

Bottas is leaving Mercedes to join Alfa Romeo and will take over from the retiring Kimi Raikkonen.

Briton George Russell will replace Bottas in the second Mercedes car as he lines up alongside compatriot Lewis Hamilton.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The only other change for the 2022 season sees former Red Bull driver Alex Albon come in for Russell at Williams alongside Nicholas Latifi.

Red Bull are sticking with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, with Ferrari also keeping faith with their duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

McLaren stay put with Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo for another year, with Alpine pair Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon also remaining for the 2022 season.

AlphaTauri will continue with Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda, Aston Martin with Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll, and Haas with Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Red Devils in the race for Olmo Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to secure the signature of RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo...

Premier League

Lukaku's Transfer U-turn Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly considering a dramatic transfer U-turn that could see him leave Chelsea permanently after his loan...

Golf

Glam to Natural Paige Spiranac surprises her fans with a more natural appearance, ditching the glam for a new look that has everyone talking....

Premier League

Xabi Alonso Prefers to Stay at Bayer Leverkusen Liverpool is in search of a new manager following Jurgen Klopp's departure, but reports suggest that...

Premier League

Major Rule Change The Premier League has implemented a significant rule change regarding ball boys and girls after a recent incident involving Coventry manager...

Premier League

Green Light for Ambitious Project Birmingham City FC is on the verge of finalizing a £50 million deal to acquire an abandoned motor circuit...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement