Guanyu Zhou’s arrival in F1 looks to have paved the way for races to be held in China.
After months of speculation, Alfa Romeo announced the signing of their second driver in Zhou. He will join for the 2022 season, replacing Antonio Giovinazzi and partnering signing Valtteri Bottas.
Zhou is a marketable driver, given how he comes with a significant sponsorship package. It is the reason Alfa Romeo signed him up, and depending on how he performs may end up keeping him.
The Chinese driver’s signing has also benefitted the sport, or at least the financial aspect of it. Zhou’s arrival in F1 looks to have paved the way for more races in China, with the sport very keen on hosting two races there.
As quoted by Formulanerds, when asked about the chances of China hosting a Grand Prix, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said, “100% realistic. And I can tell you we have already received interest from another city to have a Grand Prix in China.
“That’s an area where we should be present, for sure. Because it’s an area of big development, all the OEMs are very interested in staying there.”
Ripple effect
Zhou’s debut in F1 will most certainly bring in a horde of fans from China. It will be booming business for F1 and its owners, who will welcome the added revenue and viewership.
Domenicali praised the signing of Zhou, and said that he is looking forward to big things being made possible because of it.
“I’m sure that the effect of Zhou being in the F1 world, the first Chinese driver in Formula 1, will have a huge impact on the awareness,” he continued.
“The drivers are at the centre of our project because they are aspirational, they attract fans. Everyone wants to see them fight.”
Read more: Giovinazzi sends angry message to Alfa Romeo following unceremonious exit