F1 hail hero for 'millions of Chinese fans'

F1 CEO has hailed the news Guanyu Zhou will make history as the first Chinese as "fantastic" as he will play "hero" to millions of fans from his home country.

Zhou was announced as the replacement for Antonio Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo, bringing an end to a three-year partnership between driver and team.

The F2 contender will join outgoing Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas as the team aims to reach the midfield when F1 introduces radical changes next season.

Speaking after the announcement, Domenicali said: “The news Guanyu Zhou will be in F1 next season is fantastic for the sport and the millions of passionate Chinese fans that now have a home hero to cheer all year long.

"The pyramid in F2 is working and promoting talent to the topflight of motorsport. Zhou is an incredible talent, who will be a fantastic addition to the amazing grid we have, and he will entertain and keep all our Chinese fans excited in 2022.” Noting Giovinazzi's contribution to the sport since his debut in 2017, Domenicali added: “I want to thank Antonio for being a brilliant ambassador for Formula 1 and Italy.

"He has done a great job and I hope we will see him back on the F1 grid in the future. I wish him all the best and know he will do well in whatever he chooses to do.”

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