Zhou Guanyu made history as the first and only full-time Chinese driver in Formula 1. His debut came at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix with Sauber, where he raced alongside Valtteri Bottas. Sauber had recognized Zhou’s potential after his impressive third-place finish in the 2021 Formula 2 season, behind only Oscar Piastri and Robert Shwartzman.
A Historic Career Start
Zhou’s entrance into Formula 1 was a momentous occasion, as he became the first-ever Chinese driver to secure a full-time F1 seat. Although Ma Qing Hua had previously made history as the first Chinese-born driver to participate in an official FIA Formula 1 test session in 2012, Zhou’s presence marked a significant milestone in the sport. However, after Audi acquired full control of Sauber in March 2024, Zhou and Bottas were let go, marking the end of Zhou’s tenure with the team after three years.
Early Passion for Motorsport
Zhou’s love for motorsport began at a young age. He and his father attended the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix in 2004, where Zhou first saw iconic drivers like Michael Schumacher, Jenson Button, and Kimi Raikkonen in action. This experience sparked his interest in Formula 1, and at just seven years old, he began karting. By the age of eight, Zhou was already competing. His family moved to Sheffield, England, when he was 12, to further his karting career. His relocation paid off when he won his first UK karting title in 2013.
Formula 1 Journey and Career Development
In 2014, Zhou joined the Ferrari Driver Academy at the age of 15, making him the first Asian member of the program. He continued to climb the motorsport ladder, transitioning to Formula 2 and eventually joining Renault’s driver development program in 2019. His impressive performances in F2, including a third-place finish in 2021, paved the way for his F1 debut with Sauber in 2022.
Personal Life and Family Background
Zhou’s family has played a significant role in his success. His father, a wealthy businessman, invested in his racing career by purchasing a go-kart track in 2008. This facility, known as Guanyu Auto Park, helped Zhou develop his skills early on. Zhou has kept much of his family life private, but it is known that his father and sister still reside in Shanghai.
Zhou Guanyu’s Net Worth and Future in F1
Zhou’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-5 million (£800k-4m), with his family holding a much larger collective net worth, thanks to their business ventures. Despite speculation regarding his family’s wealth, Zhou’s financial success is primarily attributed to his own achievements in motorsport.
As of the end of the 2024 season, Zhou had participated in 68 Grand Prix races and had started each race he entered, though he has yet to secure a podium finish. His career, while still early, has already made a significant impact on Formula 1, breaking barriers and setting the stage for future Chinese drivers in the sport.
