In a stunning revelation from the heart of Ferrari’s operations, Zhou Guanyu, the team’s reserve driver, has candidly shared his insights on the legendary Lewis Hamilton and the rising star Charles Leclerc. As he reflects on his experiences, Zhou draws intriguing parallels between these racing titans and his former teammate Valtteri Bottas, highlighting the lessons learned from their contrasting yet effective approaches to racing.
Zhou, who spent three pivotal years with Sauber racing under the Alfa Romeo banner alongside Bottas, has transitioned into a crucial role at Ferrari. He’s not just a spectator; he’s been deeply involved in the development of the SF-25, engaging in simulation work that supports both Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, and Leclerc, a formidable competitor in his own right. This insider perspective gives Zhou a unique vantage point to dissect the methodologies of these elite drivers.
Reflecting on his time with Bottas, Zhou admits that it was a “shock” to witness the Finnish driver’s immense influence within the team. “I understand how important he is in terms of just building up a team and also giving a boost for the people in the factory,” Zhou remarked. Bottas, with his extensive experience from a successful stint at Mercedes, provided Zhou with invaluable knowledge about the sport, which the Chinese driver has eagerly absorbed.
As he compares his experiences, Zhou notes an unexpected similarity in the working styles of Bottas, Hamilton, and Leclerc. “I don’t see a big difference in the overall picture. So it was nice,” he stated, emphasizing the consistent dedication each driver brings to their craft. Zhou’s admiration for them is palpable as he discusses their commitment to hard work and results, which he believes are the natural outcomes of their relentless efforts.
At Ferrari, Zhou feels he has the luxury of more focused time with engineers during race weekends, a stark contrast to his previous experiences. “The time I think you can spend is more than double than what I used to be able to,” he explained. This enhanced focus has allowed him to hone his skills and deepen his understanding of the sport, something he felt was lacking during his time with Sauber, where distractions often took away from the crucial driving focus.
Despite Zhou’s current position on the sidelines, he is optimistic about the growth he has experienced this year. “I feel like I learned a lot, even though this year I missed racing,” he admitted. His time at Ferrari has not only solidified his technical skills but has also provided him with a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in Formula 1.
Zhou’s journey has not been without its challenges. He candidly described his frustrations at Sauber, where frequent changes in team personnel made it difficult to establish the necessary rapport with engineers. “In three years, I had three race engineers, so that’s not good,” he revealed. This instability, he believes, hindered his development as a driver. In contrast, Zhou sees Ferrari’s emphasis on stability as a game-changer, allowing drivers to build essential relationships and develop a rhythm crucial for success on the track.
As Zhou approaches the end of his year with Ferrari, he is acutely aware of the critical decisions that lie ahead. With racing opportunities potentially dwindling, he remains steadfast in his commitment to stay close to the F1 world. “I want to make sure that if there’s an opportunity, I’m here,” he asserted, indicating his desire to leverage his time in the paddock wisely.
Zhou Guanyu’s story is one of perseverance and dedication, a testament to the spirit of Formula 1. As he gears up for what’s next, it’s clear that his time with Ferrari has not only shaped him as a driver but has also prepared him for the competitive landscape of motorsport. The insights he has gained from Hamilton, Leclerc, and Bottas will undoubtedly serve him well as he aims for a triumphant return to the grid.
