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China Zhou Guanyu has become a pioneering figure in motorsport, notably as the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1. After ascensions through junior categories and significant involvement with prominent racing academies, he now serves as a reserve driver for Ferrari, bringing a unique global perspective to the sport.
PUMA has engaged in commercial partnerships with Zhou Guanyu.
Zhou Guanyu is a brand ambassador for Dior in China.
Chivas has engaged in commercial partnerships with Zhou Guanyu.
Guanyu has worked with the likes of Lululemon.
Guanyu has worked with the likes of LVMH's Hennessy.
Sauber rebranded to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber to accommodate the sponsorship of Stake.com.
Sauber rebranded to Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber to accommodate the sponsorship of Kick.
SenseTime, the AI technology partner of Kick Sauber F1 Team, will leverage its cutting-edge AI technology to help the team optimize its decision making processes.
Zhou Guanyu has extended his contract with the Chinese branch of HSBC.
Born in Shanghai, China, on May 30, 1999, Zhou Guanyu embarked on his racing journey at eight years old, beginning in karting. His dedication to motorsport led him to move to Sheffield, England, at the age of 12 to pursue more competitive racing opportunities. His early career saw him achieve significant success, including a second-place finish in the 2015 Italian F4 Championship. These early achievements quickly caught the attention of major racing organizations, leading to his inclusion in the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2014, a testament to his burgeoning talent and commitment to the sport.
Zhou’s progression continued with a move to the Renault (later Alpine) Academy in 2019, coinciding with his debut in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Across three seasons in Formula 2, he demonstrated consistent performance, securing multiple wins and pole positions, and culminating in a third-place finish in the 2021 drivers’ title race. His impressive performance in Formula 2, combined with his unique background, paved the way for his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo (now Kick Sauber) in 2022, marking a historic moment as China’s first Grand Prix driver. This achievement was a realization of a long-held ambition, inspired by attending his home city’s inaugural Grand Prix in 2004.
During his Formula 1 tenure from 2022 to 2024, Zhou made 68 Grand Prix starts, achieving a career-high race finish of eighth twice and accumulating 16 career points. He demonstrated resilience and skill, particularly during challenging races, and secured two fastest laps. Notable moments include scoring points in his debut race at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix and achieving his team’s only points finish in the 2024 season at the Qatar Grand Prix, where he was also voted Driver of the Day. In a significant career development, Zhou was announced as a reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season, continuing his involvement with a top-tier Formula 1 team and maintaining a connection with the academy where he started.
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