Guanyu Zhou becomes first Chinese driver in F1 after joining new-look Alfa Romeo

Antonio Giovinazzi, pictured, is being replaced by Guanyu Zhou next season. Picture: Eduardo Verdugo/AP

Guanyu Zhou will become the first Chinese driver in Formula One after it was announced he will race for Alfa Romeo next season.

Zhou, 22, replaces Antonio Giovinazzi and joins Valtteri Bottas in a new-look line-up at the Italian team in 2022.

His deal completes the grid for next year’s F1 campaign.

Our latest signing @gyzhou_33 has a special message for the team’s fans... 😊💬 #AlfaRomeoRacing #ORLEN #TeamZhou pic.twitter.com/4nOWsLtaVF

— Audi Revolut F1 Team (@audif1_) November 16, 2021

Zhou is second in the Formula Two championship heading into the final two rounds of F1’s feeder series.

“I dreamt from a young age of climbing as high as I can in a sport that I am passionate about and now the dream has come true,” said Zhou.

“It is a privilege for me to start my Formula One racing career with an iconic team, a team that has introduced so much young talent into Formula One in the past.

2022 @alfaromeoracing F1 Driver!

A kid’s dream come true...
First Chinese 🇨🇳 F1 driver.

Lots of emotions going through my mind right now, I’m just so grateful for this opportunity, Thanks to everyone who believed me supported me on this journey. #F1 #TeamZHOU pic.twitter.com/WBbkcqotGZ

— 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@ZhouGuanyu24) November 16, 2021

“Now the dream is reality. I feel well prepared for the immense challenge of Formula One, the pinnacle of my sport, alongside a proven, world-class talent in Valtteri Bottas.

“Next year the target will be to learn as much as possible and as quickly as possible.

“To be the first ever Chinese driver in Formula One is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more.”