For Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Formulation 1 driver, 2024 is being a difficult season amidst the backdrop of his workforce’s underperformance and uncertainty about his future. Whereas Zhou has persistently proven promise, the Stake F1 workforce 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: Properly, to be trustworthy, uncertainty is one thing I’ve turn into fairly accustomed to. This isn’t the primary time I’ve confronted this case. Annually, there’s a level of uncertainty about what the subsequent season will maintain. So, in a means, it’s par for the course.
That’s a mature perspective. As a GZ, particularly getting into your prime years, one would suppose a extra settled profession path can be preferable. How has this uncertainty affected your method to the present season?
GZ: It’s undoubtedly influenced my priorities. I’ve targeted solely on delivering sturdy performances on the monitor. The remainder – contract negotiations, exploring choices – I depart to my workforce. They’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to safe the very best future for me.
Given the present panorama, have you ever thought of different racing sequence if Formulation 1 doesn’t pan out?
GZ: Formulation 1 stays my main focus. I imagine I nonetheless have a superb probability of staying right here. That stated, I haven’t given severe thought to different sequence 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 adjustments, significantly when it comes to their influence on the game?
GZ: The rules intention to make the automobiles extra sustainable and aggressive. Nonetheless, there’s a trade-off: diminished 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 suppose these rules will profit avenue circuits, which frequently wrestle with overtaking?
GZ: It’s a combined bag. On one hand, the elevated effectivity may make overtaking simpler. On the opposite, the diminished downforce may make it more durable to remain on the monitor throughout high-speed corners.
The automotive is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final yr.
Guanyu Zhou
Your workforce 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 yr. It’s been a studying curve. Nonetheless, tracks like this one, that are smoother, may help us perceive our weaknesses and enhance.
You’re recognized on your curiosity in vogue. The place does this ardour come from?
GZ: It’s one thing I’ve all the time loved. My mother was a designer, so maybe it’s in my genes. Formulation 1 presents an incredible platform to precise my persona 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 model aligns with my very own. It’s about discovering a superb match, each personally and professionally.
If given the chance to design your individual vogue assortment, what would it not appear to be?
GZ: I’d intention for a mix of basic magnificence and fashionable developments. Black is a staple in my wardrobe, so it might probably characteristic prominently. I’d additionally incorporate components 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, irrespective of the event?
GZ: I’m fairly open-minded. I can’t consider something I’d categorically refuse to put on.
Your relationship along 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 all the time been supportive. He’s taught me so much, particularly throughout my early days in Formulation 1.
What’s the perfect recommendation he’s given you?
GZ: He’s emphasised the significance of staying calm and targeted 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 world viewers.
