Zhou Guanyu more relaxed after surviving fiery baptism in debut F1 season

Alfa Romeo driver Guanyu Zhou says he is ready to be more competitive in Formula 1 after getting through his rookie season relatively unscathed.

Zhou started 2022 strong with points on his debut, but fell off the pace for a bit before managing to pick up further top-10 finishes in Canada and Italy.

However, inconsistency was a huge problem for the Chinese driver, who says he is refreshed and ready to attack F1 in his second season.

"As a rookie, F1 is always very challenging. I went through a lot of different situations, had my highs and lows," he said.

"I'm happy with what we achieved in the first year, and definitely expectations for this year are higher.

"It's quite simple that I want to achieve more points finishes for the team and for myself, and have a higher finish. P8 was my best finish in F1, so this year, a top six would be amazing, and also, to get through to Q3 more often.

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"I think we have the package and the car to do so; it's still going to be very tight in the midfield, so it'll be about small details. Less mistakes and more consistency will pay off."

Zhou is confident the experience he gained last year will stand him in good stead in 2023.

"Last year, in Bahrain, and the first few races, I was so nervous, and this year, I feel much more relaxed,” he said.

"To face these tracks and challenges again, I think it'll be a completely different mentality, with the mental approach."