Zhou Guanyu is no stranger to speed — but in our interview, it’s clear he’s equally at home slowing things down to reflect on the road that brought him to Ferrari. Now serving as the reserve driver for one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1 history, Zhou has a unique vantage point: young, accomplished, and quietly making history as the first Chinese driver in F1.
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The Italian Way
From his early days in the Ferrari Driver Academy to walking back into the Maranello garage as a reserve, Zhou describes the experience as both surreal and deeply familiar. “It’s kind of like two parts,” he says. “When I was younger, I had the chance to be part of the Ferrari Driver Academy — and that gives me a massive opportunity to understand how Italian teams work and the passion they have.”
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“To be an F1 driver is to understand yourself and how you perform under pressure.
Zhou Guanyu on how he prepares as a reserve driver for ferrari
That passion, he notes, is quintessentially Italian. “When you drive a red Ferrari F1 Car, that feeling is unique.” But Zhou’s story isn’t just about horsepower and heritage. It’s also about identity and the importance of being the first Chinese driver in Formula 1. “When I finally announced my step, the whole country back home was supportive and excited to see my next start…Chinese fans support F1.”
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%
Celebrating Italian passion and style, a staple of the Peroni Nastro Azzurro way, Zhou was asked about this particular partnership and how Zhou has embraced this on and off the track. “Both brands are driven by passion,” he says. “Of course the whole idea of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is in line with Formula 1, when you drink you can’t drive and when you drive you can’t drink so it links together.”
Just in time for the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is bringing the elegance of Italian motorsport culture to Toronto. From June 5–15, fans can step into the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% — an immersive, piazza-inspired experience in Toronto, complete with the iconic Scuderia Ferrari HP show car on display for the first time in the city.
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Celebrating its second year as a team partner of Scuderia Ferrari HP, Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% offers curated infusions (#44 and #16), exclusive Italian-inspired menus, and stylish hospitality that captures the passion of the sport. “The House of Peroni is a celebration of the values that unite our brand with Scuderia Ferrari HP,” says Katie Wright, Head of Marketing at Asahi Canada. “Toronto’s vibrant energy makes it the perfect city for this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Visitors 19+ can also access the Peroni Pitstop guide — a curated list of the best spots to enjoy Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% in both Toronto and Montréal throughout race weekend.
📍 131 Bloor St. West, Toronto
📅 June 5–15 | Visit @peroni_ca for full hours and details.
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Precision and control
Precision and control, among the required skill sets to be a Formula 1 driver are key to one’s growth in motor sport. That growth includes stepping into new roles within the Ferrari team, especially as a reserve driver. While the world mostly sees the high-speed glamour of race day, Zhou is immersed in the grind behind the curtain: simulator work, feedback loops, staying razor-sharp for any opportunity that may come. He reflects on how he needs to be be ready all the time. That while there’s no guarantee he will be driving on any given weekend, a reserve driver must still train like they will. Both mentally and physically.
Advice for the next gen
With Formula 1 dominating the globe with astronomical growth and popularity year over year, it’s no surprise that the next generation of drivers are watching and paying close attention. So why not ask someone who’s made it to Formula 1 what advice he would give to the next generation of young drivers? “Every step and category of race you’re fighting and winning the championship. Every time you reach the next category, you will be ready for the next opportunity.”
