For Guanyu Zhou, China’s first Method 1 driver, 2024 is being a difficult season amidst the backdrop of his crew’s underperformance and uncertainty about his future. Whereas Zhou has constantly proven promise, the Stake F1 crew Kick Sauber has struggled to match the tempo of the highest contenders, making it troublesome for him to showcase his full potential. Because the season progresses, the query of Zhou’s contract renewal for 2025 looms giant, including an additional layer of strain to his performances. Regardless of all these challenges, Zhou stays decided to show himself and safe a long-term future in Method 1.
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Let’s begin by addressing the elephant within the room. With the 2025 season looming, how are you navigating the uncertainty of your future in Method 1?
GZ: Nicely, to be trustworthy, uncertainty is one thing I’ve develop into fairly accustomed to. This isn’t the primary time I’ve confronted this case. Annually, there’s a level of uncertainty about what the following season will maintain. So, in a means, it’s par for the course.
That’s a mature perspective. As a GZ, particularly coming into your prime years, one would suppose a extra settled profession path can be preferable. How has this uncertainty affected your strategy to the present season?
GZ: It’s positively influenced my priorities. I’ve targeted solely on delivering sturdy performances on the observe. The remainder – contract negotiations, exploring choices – I go away to my crew. They’re working tirelessly behind the scenes to safe the absolute best future for me.
Given the present panorama, have you ever thought of different racing sequence if Method 1 doesn’t pan out?
GZ: Method 1 stays my main focus. I consider I nonetheless have a very good probability of staying right here. That mentioned, I haven’t given severe thought to different sequence but. If the necessity arises, I’m positive alternatives will current themselves.
Let’s shift gears to the upcoming 2026 rules. What are your ideas on these adjustments, significantly by way of their impression on the game?
GZ: The rules purpose to make the vehicles extra sustainable and aggressive. Nonetheless, there’s a trade-off: lowered downforce can result in much less thrilling racing. It’s a balancing act. We’ll have to attend and see the way it performs out.
Do you suppose these rules will profit avenue circuits, which frequently battle with overtaking?
GZ: It’s a blended bag. On one hand, the elevated effectivity might make overtaking simpler. On the opposite, the lowered downforce may make it tougher to remain on the observe throughout high-speed corners.
The automobile is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final yr.
Guanyu Zhou
Your crew has confronted challenges this season. What do you attribute these difficulties to, and the way are you working to beat them?
GZ: The automobile is extra delicate and fewer predictable than final yr. It’s been a studying curve. Nonetheless, tracks like this one, that are smoother, will help us perceive our weaknesses and enhance.
You’re recognized to your curiosity in vogue. The place does this ardour come from?
GZ: It’s one thing I’ve all the time loved. My mother was a designer, so maybe it’s in my genes. Method 1 provides an excellent platform to specific my character past the racing.
What do you search for in a vogue model when collaborating with them?
GZ: Authenticity is vital. I wish to work with manufacturers I genuinely admire and whose model aligns with my very own. It’s about discovering a very good match, each personally and professionally.
If given the chance to design your individual vogue assortment, what would it not appear like?
GZ: I’d purpose for a mix of basic magnificence and fashionable traits. Black is a staple in my wardrobe, so it will seemingly characteristic prominently. I’d additionally incorporate parts that mirror my ardour for racing.
Black is a staple in my wardrobe.
Guanyu Zhou
Is there something you’ll by no means put on, regardless of the event?
GZ: I’m fairly open-minded. I can’t consider something I’d categorically refuse to put on.
Your relationship along with your teammate, Valtteri Bottas, appears to be sturdy. What do you admire most about him?
GZ: Valtteri is a superb teammate. He’s extremely quick and has all the time been supportive. He’s taught me quite a bit, particularly throughout my early days in Method 1.
What’s the perfect recommendation he’s given you?
GZ: He’s emphasised the significance of staying calm and targeted throughout races, particularly when issues get hectic.
Your documentary has been an enormous success in China. Are you contemplating bringing it to a wider viewers?
GZ: We’re exploring choices for a European launch. Whereas the Chinese language model was particularly tailor-made for that market, there’s curiosity in sharing it with a world viewers.
