A Formula One driver who trained in Sheffield as a youngster has spoken about the highs and lows of his racing career after competing in his final race.
Zhou Guanyu was in the driving seat at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend (December 8).
The Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber is having a shake up for next season replacing both Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas. They will be swapped for rookie Gabriel Bortoleto and long-standing racing driver Nico Hülkenberg.
Zhou Guanyu, 25, said: “I hope that my racing continues to inspire others who are following my story.
“I would like to thank the team for this opportunity and all of the fans for their continued support. They have been fantastic and continue to inspire me.”
Zhou made his debut in 2022 for the Alfa Romeo team, which became Stake Kick Sauber this year.
He is also the only driver in Formula One history to represent China and was able to race in the Chinese Grand Prix this year, 20 years after being a fan in the crowd.
“I am immensely proud to represent my country as the first ever Chinese Formula 1 driver,” said Zhou.
His F1 journey hasn’t always been easy, but the Chinese driver has much to celebrate.
He said: “I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in Formula 1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap, and some memorable battles throughout the grid.”
Zhou moved to Sheffield in 2012, to compete with his karting team Strawberry Racing UK, who are based in Handsworth.
He attended Westbourne School in Broomhill and came back to the city for a visit in 2023.
It has been a tough season for Kick Sauber after they finished last in the constructors’ championship, 13 points behind 9th place constructors Williams.
Zhou scored their only four points in the penultimate race of the season in Qatar, which saw him go from starting 12th on the grid but ending eighth.
The race earned him the Driver of the Day award but Zhou has not secured a seat for the 2025 season, meaning his future in the world of racing is still undetermined but he remains positive.
He said: “Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of.”
