Money played a role in choosing Zhou: ‘We want to reach the cost ceiling’
General
- GPblog.com
Next year, Guanyu Zhou will become the first Chinese driver in the history of Formula 1. He will sit alongside Valtteri Bottas at Alfa Romeo. Frédéric Vasseur at Formulapassion.it admits that they didn't just look at talent, since they also looked at the money.
Antonio Giovinazzi and Kimi Raikonnen will leave Formula 1 next year. The Finn is retiring and Giovinazzi will drive in Formula E, as he will be replaced by the Chinese driver. According to Vasseur, they definitely looked at his driving style and performance and it wasn't just about the money.
"The performance speaks for itself. He is a driver who has won in Bahrain and at Silverstone; in F2 those are probably the two most demanding tracks, respectively for tyre management and high speed corners. He has achieved some pole positions, I am sure he will do well next year."
Vasseur aims to hit cost ceiling
The Alfa Romeo team boss admits they also looked at the money the Formula 2 talent would bring, but according to him he never lied about that either. "I have always been clear about that, because we want to hit the cost ceiling. That's the best way for us to perform, but it's not the only way. I think Zhou is doing a great job in F2, and I think everyone underestimates the level of performance and the work he's done this season."