Zhou Guanyu is China's first Formula 1 driver and one of motorsport's most closely followed figures in China, where his rise has helped bring a new generation of fans to the sport. Born in Shanghai in 1999, he moved to Sheffield, England, in 2012 to pursue an international racing career.

He finished runner-up in the Italian F4 Championship in 2015 and third in Formula 2 in 2021 before making his F1 debut with Alfa Romeo at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, scoring points in his first race. Over three seasons with the Sauber team he started 68 Grands Prix. He served as Ferrari's reserve driver in 2025 and joined the Cadillac F1 Team as reserve driver for its debut 2026 season.

Off the track, Zhou is known for his interest in fashion and design, from choosing his own race-day outfits to sketching ideas for his helmets. He has been a Dior brand ambassador since 2023 and in 2026 was named a global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, Cadillac F1's official apparel partner. "It doesn't matter what the situation is, never give up," he told Jing Daily.