Zhou opens up on racism and future

China’s only Formula 1 driver, Zhou Guanyu, has opened up on some of the “racist abuse” he has copped since making his debut in 2022.

Zhou made history by starting his first Grand Prix at Bahrain in 2022 for Alfa Romeo/Sauber, he was the first Chinese driver to go racing in the pinnacle of the sport.

The only other compatriot to officially drive a F1 car was Qinghua Ma, who participated in five Free Practice sessions from 2012-2013 for HRT and Caterham.

Zhou, who currently sits 19th in the championship, believes that across his three-year career he has received “racist abuse” and feels others do not receive the same treatment.

The Sauber driver compared himself to Haas recruit Ollie Bearman.

After finishing third and taking three wins in F3 in 2021, Zhou received his F1 call up, while Haas 2025 driver Bearman, is currently 15th with one win, albeit in a struggling PREMA, but has impressed in practice sessions and especially his last-minute Ferrari drive at Saudi Arabia.

“It’s quite clear in 2021 when I signed a contract with Alfa Romeo there was a lot of racist abuse people were giving because they didn’t follow my career,” Zhou told The Race.

“You come around with third place in F2, winning four races that year – and (now) you see a driver outside the top 10 (in F2) at the moment is getting a seat, and there’s a lot of support for him.

“It shows (prejudice around) nationality is a reality. 

“That’s difficult to change when you are Asian, coming from different countries in Asia, but I’m not worried about that.”

With Nico Hulkenberg coming to Sauber/Audi next year, the prospect of Zhou returning to F1 in 2025 is unlikely.

In his third year alongside Valtteri Bottas, he has struggled to match the experienced Finn, especially in qualifying with the scoreline currently 13-1.

Currently Zhou rates his chances of staying on the F1 grid as 50-50.

“For the future or for next year, it’s definitely better,” he said. 

“I’ve known him for quite a while now, being involved with Ferrari’s academy for several years.

“I want to stay in this championship, but in terms of what I do, if I become a third driver, I haven’t thought about it. 

“My mindset is on getting a seat because there’s still, I would say, a chance of 50 percent or more that I get a seat.”

Photo by Andy Hone / LAT Images

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