Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1
Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has signed a new contract with Alfa Romeo for the upcoming 2023 season. Guanyu will be joining Valtteri Bottas next season as Alfa Romeo seal both their drivers for the 2023 season. The rookie has finished in points in three races this season, including a 10th place finish on his debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The youngster so far has earned six points in the 2022 season as he is placed at 17th position on the Driver's Championship standings. Alfa Romeo Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, talked about the Chinese driver’s extension as he praised the 23-year-old for his approach and adaptability. Vasseur further opened up about the curiosity showcased by Guanyu.
“I am looking forward to continuing working with Zhou. From day one with the team, at the Abu Dhabi test last year, he has impressed me with his approach to work and this is always a very positive trait. We knew he was quick, but the way he adapted to Formula One in such a short time has been one of the best surprises of our season. He is a very nice guy, everyone in the team likes both his personality and attitude”, Frédéric Vasseur said.
“He has had the humility to ask questions and learn, from the engineers as well as Valtteri, and the intelligence to apply all the information he got to improve race after race. He will have this experience to draw on next season, and I am sure he will make another step forward as we continue to grow our team.”
Zhou Guanyu also expressed excitement and elation about returning to the team. He said, “I am happy and grateful to Alfa Romeo F1 Team ORLEN for the opportunity to be part of the team for another season. Making it to Formula One was a dream come true and the feeling of competing for the first time in a race will live with me forever: the team has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me from day one and helping me adapt to the most complex series in motorsport."
“There is more that I want to achieve in this sport and with the team, and the hard work we have put together since the start of the year is just the first step towards where we want to be next season. There is still a lot to learn, a lot to develop but I am confident in our work: I am looking forward to the next chapter of our story together”, he further added.