Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu says he feels “more ready than ever” going into this year’s Formula 1 season after returning to his home country for the first time in two years.
The Chinese driver returned home in December to visit family and friends but also to conduct several sponsor and media engagements. Prior to that, the last time he had been in China was to be part of the presenting team for the F1 Esports series China Championship in Shanghai in January 2021.“We tried to switch fully off [over winter] because from my side, of course, was the two years haven’t been back [to China], and obviously family and friends,” Zhou said at the launch of Alfa Romeo’s 2023 F1 car.
“So that was a very nice time spending there over the holidays, and I really feel more ready than ever because it was first great to catch up with all the people back home in China.
“Coming back here, I feel like I was able to train harder, put even more effort in because I feel like I had a nice winter break and now it’s time to work. So it was a lovely time over the last two months.”
Zhou is going into his second season in F1 and with the Alfa Romeo team, having come 18th in the championship in his rookie campaign. He took a best finish of eighth at the Canadian Grand Prix, and also earned the first fastest lap of his F1 career at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
2023 F1 season
- Norris: Red Bull’s mastery of ‘small things which make a big difference’ key to dominance
- Mercedes must halve deficit to Red Bull before 2024 season starts – Hamilton
- “I didn’t like going in the paddock so much”: Hulkenberg on his happier return to F1
- Ricciardo plans simulator run “next week” to decide how soon he can return
- Mercedes expect “tight” fight for second in championship after Ferrari gains
Proesterchen (@proesterchen)
7th February 2023, 13:17
I seem to remember another driver in the not-too-distant past claiming similar benefits from being home.
He’s no longer racing in Formula 1.
Jere (@jerejj)
7th February 2023, 18:10
@proesterchen
I immediately realized who you’re referring to, even before getting to the latter phrase. All true.
Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
7th February 2023, 15:18
I thought he did ok for his first season and look forwards to keeping an eye on him this year as well.
Christopher Rehn (@chrischrill)
8th February 2023, 9:09
He was solidly reliable but unspectacular in his first year, no stupid mistakes all season long. I think that’s a healthy foundation, but he needs to start adding some results this season such as the fastest lap in Japan.
Nick T.
8th February 2023, 19:52
I bet the CCP forced him to say that visiting China was good for his mental status. Even the wealthiest Chinese don’t want to be in China since 2020.