For Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Components 1 driver, 2024 is being a difficult season amidst the backdrop of his staff’s underperformance and uncertainty about his future. Whereas Zhou has persistently 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 Components 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 Components 1?
GZ: Effectively, to be sincere, uncertainty is one thing I’ve turn into fairly accustomed to. This isn’t the primary time I’ve confronted this case. Every year, 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 assume a extra settled profession path could be preferable. How has this uncertainty affected your strategy to the present season?
GZ: It’s positively influenced my priorities. I’ve targeted solely on delivering robust performances on the observe. The remaining – contract negotiations, exploring choices – I depart 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 of various racing sequence if Components 1 doesn’t pan out?
GZ: Components 1 stays my major focus. I imagine I nonetheless have a great likelihood of staying right here. That mentioned, I haven’t given critical 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 modifications, significantly when it comes to their affect on the game?
GZ: The rules goal to make the automobiles extra sustainable and aggressive. Nonetheless, there’s a trade-off: lowered 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 avenue circuits, which regularly wrestle with overtaking?
GZ: It’s a blended bag. On one hand, the elevated effectivity might make overtaking simpler. On the opposite, the lowered downforce may make it more durable to remain on the observe throughout high-speed corners.
The automobile is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final yr.
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 automobile is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final yr. It’s been a studying curve. Nonetheless, tracks like this one, that are smoother, can assist us perceive our weaknesses and enhance.
You’re recognized in your curiosity in trend. 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. Components 1 affords a fantastic platform to specific my character past the racing.
What do you search for in a trend model when collaborating with them?
GZ: Authenticity is vital. I wish to work with manufacturers I genuinely admire and whose type aligns with my very own. It’s about discovering a great match, each personally and professionally.
If given the chance to design your individual trend assortment, what would it not appear to be?
GZ: I’d goal for a mix of traditional magnificence and trendy tendencies. Black is a staple in my wardrobe, so it could doubtless characteristic 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’d 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 robust. What do you admire most about him?
GZ: Valtteri is a superb teammate. He’s extremely quick and has at all times been supportive. He’s taught me lots, particularly throughout my early days in Components 1.
What’s one of the best 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 worldwide viewers.
