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Zhou Guanyu Crying Photograph: (Instagram)
The Chinese Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar last year and it was the first home race for Chinese F1 driver Zhou Guanyu in Shanghai. He debuted in the 2022 season for the Alfa Romeo team, which was later changed to Kick Sauber.
Though he is not racing this season, he is the reserve driver for Ferrari. Last year was a disaster for his team, Kick Sauber, as Zhou Guanyu was the only driver to score a point in the entire season with his eighth-place finish in the 2024 Qatar GP. Guanyu and his teammate Valtteri Bottas had an average year and were replaced with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto. Valtteri Bottas went to his old team Mercedes as a reserve driver and Zhou went to Ferrari.
WATCH: Throwback video of Zhou Guanyu in the Chinese Grand prix
Throwback to when Zhou Guanyu got emotional and teared up on track at his home race in Shanghai 2024 ❤️🇨🇳#f1#formula1#sportsinfoxtreme#zhouguanyu#shanghai#ChineseGP#kicksauberpic.twitter.com/fU9JweQyUd
— SportsInfo Xtreme (@Sportsinfo22073) March 18, 2025
During last year's home grand prix, the Chinese fans were in total joy to see one of their own men driving a Formula 1 car. Zhou was welcomed with loud cheers, banners and selfies. Though he didn't finish the race inside the points table, the organisers arranged a special place for him on the main straights.
It was the first time a place was given on the grid for a non-podium finisher. Zhou Guanyu emerged from the car and the Chinese fans cheered for the Sauber driver. This was the first time Zhou felt anything like this, as the Chinese GP was not on the calendar in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Guanyu said, “Great event this is. Dream to be here as a kid. So thanks to all the Chinese fans and also back home watching on TV. And thank you to my team, all of you guys; let's keep working.” He then came out of his car and waved at his fans and his eyes were full of tears seeing his home supporters.
But the Chinese fans will miss his action this year as he will be in a reserved driver role for Ferrari. But we can expect Zhou Guanyu back as an F1 driver next year. Cadillac F1 will be joining as the 11th team and the FIA hinted about bringing a 12th F1 team from China.
Also Read: Most wins in F1 Chinese Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton, the Dragon Land King.