Chants of “Guanyu, Guanyu, Guanyu” drowned out all other sound at the Shanghai International Circuit on Sunday as Zhou Guanyu, China’s first and only Formula One driver, stepped on to the starting grid ahead of his first Chinese Grand Prix.
Sauber’s Zhou, who was racing in his hometown in China’s first grand prix since 2019, had failed to score a point in the season’s first four races but that did not dent the enthusiasm of the estimated 60,000 fans who turned out each day.
“It’s really difficult. You try to focus on your job, on what’s going on with your driving, but then having them all screaming and shouting and cheering for you; I’m just so grateful,” Zhou said after finishing the race in 14th place and outside the points.
“I have no words honestly, the crowd and how the fans react all weekend, they’ve just been so emotional. I’m honoured to be here and I’m happy to complete the grand prix, I drove my heart out today but unfortunately not enough for the points so we go again next time.”
Before lining up on the grid in front of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, the 24-year-old described how he had watched the race from turn one in 2004 “dreaming to be an F1 driver in the future.”
“It’s such an emotional journey these twenty years. It reflects so quickly on your mind, I’m just so grateful to be here,” Zhou said after the race.
Having a Chinese driver is a boon for F1 and its owners Liberty Media, who see the country as a key market. Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali has previously said China could one day host two races.
F1 fan Xu Zheng, who travelled down from Beijing to watch the race, said Zhou’s significance to Chinese motorsport could not be overstated.
“A decade or two ago, when I was new to F1, it was unimaginable to have a Chinese driver racing in a Formula One car,” he added.
“Zhou Guanyu’s experience and story will surely inspire more Chinese practitioners of the sport or children who share the same dream to strive for the future.”