For Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Formulation 1 driver, 2024 is being a difficult season amidst the backdrop of his staff’s underperformance and uncertainty about his future. Whereas Zhou has constantly proven promise, the Stake F1 staff Kick Sauber has struggled to match the tempo of the highest contenders, making it troublesome for him to showcase his full potential. Because the season progresses, the query of Zhou’s contract renewal for 2025 looms massive, including an additional layer of stress to his performances. Regardless of all these challenges, Zhou stays decided to show himself and safe a long-term future in Formulation 1.
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Let’s begin by addressing the elephant within the room. With the 2025 season looming, how are you navigating the uncertainty of your future in Formulation 1?
GZ: Effectively, to be trustworthy, uncertainty is one thing I’ve turn into fairly accustomed to. This isn’t the primary time I’ve confronted this example. Every year, there’s a level of uncertainty about what the following season will maintain. So, in a manner, it’s par for the course.
That’s a mature perspective. As a GZ, particularly coming into your prime years, one would assume a extra settled profession path could be preferable. How has this uncertainty affected your strategy to the present season?
GZ: It’s undoubtedly influenced my priorities. I’ve centered solely on delivering sturdy performances on the observe. The remaining – contract negotiations, exploring choices – I go away to my staff. They’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to safe the absolute best future for me.
Given the present panorama, have you ever thought-about different racing collection if Formulation 1 doesn’t pan out?
GZ: Formulation 1 stays my main focus. I imagine I nonetheless have likelihood of staying right here. That mentioned, I haven’t given critical thought to different collection but. If the necessity arises, I’m certain alternatives will current themselves.
Let’s shift gears to the upcoming 2026 rules. What are your ideas on these modifications, notably by way of their impression on the game?
GZ: The rules goal to make the vehicles extra sustainable and aggressive. Nonetheless, there’s a trade-off: decreased downforce can result in much less thrilling racing. It’s a balancing act. We’ll have to attend and see the way it performs out.
Do you assume these rules will profit road circuits, which regularly battle with overtaking?
GZ: It’s a blended bag. On one hand, the elevated effectivity may make overtaking simpler. On the opposite, the decreased downforce may make it more durable to remain on the observe throughout high-speed corners.
The automotive is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final 12 months.
Guanyu Zhou
Your staff has confronted challenges this season. What do you attribute these difficulties to, and the way are you working to beat them?
GZ: The automotive is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final 12 months. It’s been a studying curve. Nonetheless, tracks like this one, that are smoother, will help us perceive our weaknesses and enhance.
You’re recognized in your curiosity in vogue. The place does this ardour come from?
GZ: It’s one thing I’ve at all times loved. My mother was a designer, so maybe it’s in my genes. Formulation 1 gives a fantastic platform to specific my character past the racing.
What do you search for in a vogue model when collaborating with them?
GZ: Authenticity is vital. I need to work with manufacturers I genuinely admire and whose fashion aligns with my very own. It’s about discovering match, each personally and professionally.
If given the chance to design your personal vogue assortment, what wouldn’t it seem like?
GZ: I’d goal for a mix of traditional class and fashionable traits. Black is a staple in my wardrobe, so it could possible function prominently. I’d additionally incorporate parts that replicate my ardour for racing.
Black is a staple in my wardrobe.
Guanyu Zhou
Is there something you’ll by no means put on, regardless of the event?
GZ: I’m fairly open-minded. I can’t consider something I’d categorically refuse to put on.
Your relationship together with your teammate, Valtteri Bottas, appears to be sturdy. What do you admire most about him?
GZ: Valtteri is a good teammate. He’s extremely quick and has at all times been supportive. He’s taught me quite a bit, particularly throughout my early days in Formulation 1.
What’s the most effective recommendation he’s given you?
GZ: He’s emphasised the significance of staying calm and centered throughout races, particularly when issues get hectic.
Your documentary has been an enormous success in China. Are you contemplating bringing it to a wider viewers?
GZ: We’re exploring choices for a European launch. Whereas the Chinese language model was particularly tailor-made for that market, there’s curiosity in sharing it with a worldwide viewers.
