Racing and Runway: Zhou Guanyu’s Bold Journey Through F1 and Fashion

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu discusses his passion for fashion and top style choices in F1

Zhou Guanyu shares insights with Crash.net's Lewis Larkam about his enthusiasm for fashion and how he incorporates his unique style into the Formula 1 scene.

When considering Formula 1, fashion might not be the initial thought that comes to mind. However, the connection between the sport and the fashion industry is expanding rapidly.

With Liberty Media at the helm, Formula 1 is broadening its worldwide allure, drawing in major brands and famous personalities. One such example is Tommy Hilfiger, which began a sponsorship deal with Mercedes in 2018.

"The fashion industry has come to understand the sport's ability to connect with audiences worldwide," said Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion and global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, in a recent interview with The Business of Fashion.

Zhou Guanyu is also known as one of the most fashionable personalities in Formula 1. His enthusiasm for fast-paced and adrenaline-filled racing fuels his performance on the circuit, but it is his deep interest in fashion that inspires him away from the racetrack. At 25 years old, this passion significantly influences his life beyond the sport.

Zhou, alongside top athletes like Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, frequently arrives at the paddock dressed in bold and stylish outfits that capture attention. The scene on Grand Prix Thursdays has begun to look like a fashion runway, providing the Chinese driver with an opportunity to express his individuality, which he enthusiastically welcomes.

During an interview with Crash.net at the Italian Grand Prix, Zhou shared, "I've always been fascinated by fashion." The event took place near Milan, a city recognized as one of the world's top four fashion hubs, along with New York, Paris, and London. It was in Milan, Italy's second-biggest city, where Zhou experienced his inaugural Milan Fashion Week show.

As a child around the ages of 12 or 13, my mother had a significant impact on me. She enjoyed watching me dress stylishly. Naturally, being from a different era, my style was different.

"Starting at around 13 or 14 years old, I developed my personal style and could choose my own clothing. She allowed it because she saw I was making sensible choices and not doing anything outrageous. Over time, this interest grew and became a hobby for me."

Inspired by his mother and motivated by observing Hamilton, the most accomplished driver in F1, Zhou feels empowered to express himself without restraint, challenging traditional expectations of a racer's attire at the track.

In the world of Formula 1, it's been exciting to see Lewis Hamilton successfully introduce fashion into the sport. He has turned Thursdays into a mini fashion show, reminiscent of the NBA's pre-game "tunnel walk," where players showcase their style before games.

"It's wonderful to see that happening. I've noticed a significant shift. I began introducing fashion to the paddock, and soon after, other drivers joined in. Now, on Thursdays, it's a common practice for all the drivers, and I'm pleased about it."

Emulating Hamilton's style in fashion, Zhou entered into an agreement last year that made him a brand ambassador for the upscale French fashion powerhouse Dior in his native country. Additionally, he has worked with companies like Lululemon and PUMA.

He expressed that Dior, Rick Owens, and Chrome Hearts are currently his top three favorite brands, noting that these designers have greatly impacted his fashion sense. He mentioned that these are the labels he mostly wears, whether he's at the racetrack or just going about his daily life.

Check out this Instagram post from Zhou Guanyu, also known as 周冠宇, under the handle @zhouguanyu24.

Check out this post on Instagram, originally shared by Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@zhouguanyu24).

Zhou has a particular fascination with footwear, specifically trainers, and has gathered a remarkable array in his closet. He is also fond of jeans, but not just any ordinary ones; he prefers exclusive, tailor-made pairs that begin at approximately £5,000 and are adorned with silver accents.

Over the years, I've developed a strong passion for sneakers and have amassed quite a collection," he explained. "However, after signing with various brands, I'm limited in my choice of footwear, which has slightly reduced my enthusiasm. Although I continue to purchase them, they mostly remain stored away in my closet."

"I've become an avid fan of collecting Chrome Heart jeans. These jeans are priced around £5,000, and they're extremely hard to find due to their incorporation of real silver and leather stitching. I think they're truly one-of-a-kind."

Returning to the racing circuit, Zhou's hopes of staying in Formula 1 by 2025 are diminishing, as only one spot is available at Sauber. He is confronted with the genuine possibility of his Formula 1 career concluding after just three seasons, which is sooner than he would have desired.

Zhou remains passionate about fashion, but he is committed to making a significant impact on Chinese motorsport. He has already set several groundbreaking records, including being the first F1 driver from China, the first to earn points in the sport, and the first to compete in the Chinese Grand Prix.

The race in China this year was particularly significant for Zhou. Two decades ago, he sat in the stands of the Shanghai International Circuit at the first-ever Chinese Grand Prix, where his passion for Formula 1 was ignited by watching his hero, Fernando Alonso.

Should Zhou's journey in Formula 1 come to a close, he aims to leave a lasting impact by motivating future Chinese racers.

He expressed his interest in starting a go-kart track in his hometown once his racing career concludes. He also mentioned that Yuki Tsunoda has aspirations to open a restaurant in his native Japan.

"I wish to see a go-kart track established in Shanghai. This ties closely with my professional journey up to now, and I believe it would be greatly beneficial for the youth in my home country."

"Fashion is definitely an interest of mine and something I enjoy, but I wouldn't say I want to dedicate my entire life to it after my career in motorsports. Once I'm done with racing, I just want a peaceful and stable life."

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