"I think I have a good chance of moving up to Formula 1”

Third season in Formula 2

Zhou had a difficult season in Formula 2 last year. He achieved his first victory, but a shot at the title was not possible. Eventually, the Chinese driver finished sixth in the championship.

Next season, Zhou is aiming for the title, in his third F2 season. "If I can win the title, it is definitely a sign that I can be an F1 driver, that I am ready to drive an F1 car," Zhou told F1 Only. "That is exactly the goal for this year, to try to win the title or at least be a contender for the title."

A good ranking in Formula 2, gives many drivers the chance to move to Formula 1. "We have seen in the past that drivers who finish in the top three in Formula 2 move on to Formula 1 the following year. It is a high-level championship where you have to show your potential to fight for the title, and if I can do that, then I think I have a good chance of moving up to Formula 1," Zhou said.

Super Licence

To have a chance to compete in Formula 1, Zhou must first obtain his Super Licence. "Finishing in the first three will be enough for my Super Licence points. Once I have that, we will see what door is open."

Zhou could become the first Chinese Formula One driver.

Whether he will get a chance at Alpine in Formula One, then, remains to be seen, as the team does not have a customer team to give juniors a chance, for example. "Obviously we don't have many spots each year, so we really have to see which door is open. But right now I'm really focused on myself. I am trying to show everyone that I am available, that I am good enough to drive," Zhou concludes.