Zhou Guanyu signs new Alfa Romeo contract with driver set to partner Valtteri Bottas again in 2023

Zhou Guanyu has signed a new contract with Alfa Romeo.

China’s first full-time driver in Formula One has impressed in his first season with the team, securing three points finishes including on debut in Bahrain earlier this year.

He will again partner Valtteri Bottas in the 2023 season, with Alfa Romeo said to be impressed with his ‘levels of maturity’ at just 23 years old.

The 23-year-old has scored three points finishes in his first year competing in Formula One

‘From day one with the team Zhou has impressed me with his approach to work. We knew he was quick, but the way he adapted to Formula One in such a short time has been one of the best surprises of our season,’ said team principal Fred Vasseur.  

‘From day one with the team, at the Abu Dhabi test last year, he has impressed me with his approach to work and this is always a very positive trait. 

‘We knew he was quick, but the way he adapted to Formula 1 in such a short time has been one of the best surprises of our season.

The 23-year-old has formed a positive partnership with Valtteri Bottas so far this year

‘He is a very nice guy, everyone in the team likes both his personality and attitude. He has had the humility to ask questions and learn, from the engineers as well as Valtteri, and the intelligence to apply all the information he got to improve race after race.’

Zhou posted on his Twitter account: ‘It’s been an absolutely crazy year but I’m proud of everything we have achieved as a team so far! Let’s keep working to reach more milestones together.’

He also said: ‘Making it to Formula One was a dream come true, the feeling of my first race will live with me forever: The team has been incredibly supportive, welcoming me from day one and helping me adapt to the most complex series in motorsport.

Zhou became China’s first full-time driver in Formula one when he joined the sport this year

‘There is more that I want to achieve in this sport and with the team, and the hard work we have put together since the start of the year is just the first step towards where we want to be next season.’

Zhou has scored six points so far this season compared to Bottas’ 46, however it is believed within the Alfa Romeo team that he would have scored many more if he had not struggled with several mechanical issues.

The Singapore Grand Prix will take this weekend after three weeks without a race.