Get up to speed with the drivers lineup for the 2022 F1 season as Alfa Romeo announces Guanyu Zhou as their second driver and know his contract, salary and net worth
The 22-year-old Chinese driver becomes the first full-time driver to participate in the Formula 1 season. He currently drivers for UNI-Virtuosi Racing in Formula 2 and is tied with Alpine Academy who overlooks his development in the sport. Meanwhile, he is still in contention for this year’s F2 Championship title which will conclude in UAE.
The Chinese driver will partner with experienced Valtteri Bottas who is currently third in the Formula 1 driver’s Championship. Alfa Romeo has parted ways with Antonio Giovinazzi who they felt was incumbent and was not living up to the expectations. Meanwhile, Kimi Raikonnen who is the oldest driver on the Formula 1 grid will retire at the end of this season.
We are delighted that @gyzhou_33 is joining the @alfaromeoracing family for 2022.
Guanyu Zhou will help take full advantage of the global #F1 platform, with the Chinese market key for Alfa Romeo’s future as a global premium brand. Welcome!https://t.co/eSqYWEBGeL pic.twitter.com/wo7k6vgrtL— Alfa_Romeo (@alfa_romeo) November 16, 2021
Guanyu Zhou was impressive in this year’s Formula 2 Championship and improved significantly under the Alpine Academy. He also filled in the shoes of Fernando Alonso in free practice 1 in Austria and had a great session in the Alpine. The Chinese driver used the opportunity presented to him and impressed the field with his smooth driving skills.
Alfa Romeo F1 2022 Drivers Lineup: Guanyu Zhou To Partner Valtteri Bottas For Next Year
Alfa Romeo have learned the trick to excel in Formula 1 as they are also opting for a blend of experience and youth. Subsequently, they have opted for a 22-year-old Chinese driver and Valtteri Bottas for the new 2022 Formula 1 season.
Vasseur said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Guanyu Zhou to Alfa Romeo Racing, He is a very talented driver, as his results in F2 have shown, and we are looking forward to helping his talent flourish even more in Formula 1″
Guanyu Zhou Net Worth, Contract, Salary And Sponsors
The Chinese driver’s net worth has witnessed a steady increase in the last 18 months followed by his wonderful performances in Formula 2. He currently has a net worth of $5 million which will also increase once he signs his new contract with Alfa Romeo. In addition, he also brings in Chinese sponsorships and endorsements which will be beneficial for the global recognition of Alfa Romeo. This will also help Alfa Romeo to increase their market share in the Chinese market.
He drew $42,000 as annual salary when he was in F2. His sponsors were envisaged to be extremely eager to have him in Formula 1 for 2022 with them even reported to be willing to break the bank and spend $30 million at Alpha Romeo.
The team itself has talked about wanting to tap into the Chinese market for quite some time now with Zhou’s move said to have been carried out catering to the same vision. The team has meanwhile denied that the deal was only carried off keeping in mind the financial ramifications.
Guanyu Zhou Career Stats And Wins
| Season | Series | Team | Races | Wins | Poles | F/Laps | Podiums | Points | Position |
| 2019 | FIA Formula 2 Championship | UNI-Virtuosi Racing | 22 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 140 | 7th |
| 2020 | FIA Formula 2 Championship | UNI-Virtuosi Racing | 24 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 151.5 | 6th |
| 2021 | FIA Formula 2 Championship | UNI-Virtuosi Racing | 17 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 142 | 2nd* |