It was time for Guanyu Zhou to close the chapter on his time in FIA Formula 2, achieving his 10th podium in 2021 with a second-place finish in the Abu Dhabi Feature Race.
Following three seasons in the championship, five victories and 20 podiums, the UNI-Virtuosi driver is moving on to pastures new, becoming the first full-time Chinese driver in F1 next year with Alfa Romeo.
Zhou’s rollercoaster season saw him lead the championship until the fourth round in Silverstone. However, a succession of mixed performances meant both PREMAs of Oscar Piastri and Robert Shwartzman jumped him in the drivers’ standings, to finish a career-best third overall.
When asked what the biggest lesson he’d take from this year would be, he replied:
“The way dealing with all the pressures because this year has been super intense, especially during the mid-season.
“It’s been incredibly hard for me to explore all my potential during the last few rounds. I had a lot of pressure on my shoulders and to have to find a way to explore and exploit everything I had.
“I think next year, the pressure will be even higher than this year but what I can take back is all this experience from F2, as well as the way I work together with the team.”
The challenges this season have left a lasting mark on the 22-year-old, preparing him to manage the responsibility that come with stepping up to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“That’s the biggest part in the Formula 1 world is how the driver works together with the team and can move forward together. I think I’m ready for the challenge ahead, I’m really looking forward to it as well.”
We’ll be wishing Zhou all the best of luck for the future!
Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited
