P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Stake F1 driver Zhou Guanyu has identified one area where F1 has more appeal to Chinese fans than the NBA or high-level European football, with the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit his first experience of a home race in F1.
Zhou Guanyu is gearing up for his debut home grand prix in F1, having entered the series in 2022 amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As the first Chinese driver in Formula 1 history, he has seen a significant impact in his homeland, with a surge in viewership and interest among the younger generation. Racing on home soil for the first time, Zhou anticipates an exciting and emotional event with strong support from his fans. His growing popularity has made him more recognizable in China, a recognition he welcomes as a positive reflection of his influence in the country. Zhou’s hope is that his success in F1 will inspire and cultivate a new wave of Chinese drivers, further fueling the growth of motorsport in the nation.