Max Verstappen’s No. 2 Driver Exceeded F1 Rookie Zhou Guanyu’s Expectations

Season 2023 will include a number of new pairings. Nevertheless, some of the clubs decided to stick with their lineups. Alfa Romeo is one of those teams. In the constructor’s championship last year, the team performed below expectations, placing sixth with 55 points. Although the team observed a strong bond between the two drivers, Zhou Guanyu’s rookie campaign may have given him a better opportunity to get to know the veteran former Mercedes driver, Valtteri Bottas. While talking to GP fans the Chinese driver revealed how he went above and beyond expectations.

Zhou did not exactly light up the world, finishing P18 with just six points, but he did demonstrate enough potential for Sauber to trust him with another year on the team. We have watched the alliance grow during the campaign, and now Guanyu’s expectations of the Finnish driver have been met.

Talking to GPfans, Guanyu said, “Let’s say, overall, I knew he was a nice guy. Everybody says that in the paddock. Even when he was at Mercedes, he was quite open to deal with. I definitely didn’t expect it to be that good. That is definitely higher than I expected, in terms of kindness.” The 23-year-old surely had high praises for the Finnish driver, who is an ideal supporting driver in Max Verstappen’s eyes.

Talking to ViaPlay, Verstappen said, “Every year he starts fresh, but after a few races you realize it’s not going to happen again and you accept your role. He [Bottas] still finished on podiums, he won a few races and took pole positions. You just have to accept that the driver next to you is just a bit better.” 

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Zhou Guanyu has been able to share a great friendship with the Finnish driver during his rookie season all year round, and in the end-of-year interview, he shared some thoughts.

Zhou Guanyu talks about his relationship with Valtteri Bottas

Guanyu made his racing debut in Bahrain last year, finishing 10th and displaying that he can withstand the rigors of the top division. After that, however, points didn’t come naturally. But all the while, the ex-Mercedes driver guided Zhou, becoming a little sharper on the track. Guanyu revealed how the Finnish driver assisted him during his rookie year while sharing his expertise.

Speaking with GPfans in a year-end interview, Zhou said, “He’s very open, He doesn’t hide anything. It was great to see two cars really working together, great team play. I do always think about what’s best for the team, or when we are on track, to help each other with position if someone’s fighting for the points.”

 Adding further, he said, “It’s a good atmosphere, and after that, it’s about building up the relationship.”

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Although the team fell short of expectations, the two could provide some memorable moments in the years to come. Will Alfa Romeo improve and make their way up the grid? Or will they face tougher competition the next season?