Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu (Chinese: 周冠宇; born 30 May 1999) is a Chinese racing driver who competed in Formula One from 2022 to 2024, making history as the first Chinese driver to compete in the championship. Born in Shanghai, Zhou rose through the junior racing categories, competing in European Formula Three and Formula Two before securing his Formula One seat. He was part of the Alpine (Renault) Academy driver program before joining Alfa Romeo Racing (later renamed Sauber) for the 2022 season. Zhou made his Formula One debut at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix and competed in 63 races over three seasons (2022-2024) with the Sauber team, scoring 12 championship points.

His best result was eighth place, achieved at the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix and the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Zhou survived a spectacular crash at the 2022 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where his car flipped and became wedged between the tire barrier and catch fencing on the opening lap. He escaped without serious injury, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern Formula One safety systems including the halo cockpit protection device. Throughout his Formula One career, Zhou faced the challenge of driving for a team at the back of the grid with limited resources and uncompetitive machinery.

Despite this, he generally matched or slightly underperformed against teammate Valtteri Bottas, a former race winner and Mercedes driver. Zhou's presence in Formula One was significant for expanding the sport's global reach, particularly in China, where he became a major celebrity and helped grow Formula One's substantial Chinese fanbase. His racing was supported by various Chinese sponsors including Kick Sauber and Zhou brought substantial financial backing to the team. After losing his Sauber seat for 2025, Zhou's future in Formula One remains uncertain, though he maintains connections to the sport and continues seeking opportunities to return to the grid.

Regardless of his Formula One results, Zhou's historical significance as China's first F1 driver and his role in globalizing the sport ensures his place in Formula One history.