Zhou Guanyu: Racing Into Fashion – F1’s Style Icon on Tracks and Trends

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu Discusses His Passion for Fashion within F1

Zhou Guanyu shares his enthusiasm for style and how he brings his unique fashion sense to the F1 paddock, in an exclusive interview with Lewis Larkam of Crash.net.

When F1 comes to mind, style might not be your initial thought. However, the connection between the sport and the fashion world is rapidly increasing.

Under the stewardship of Liberty Media, Formula 1 has expanded its international allure, drawing in major brands and high-profile personalities like Tommy Hilfiger, which struck a sponsorship deal with Mercedes in 2018.

Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 world champion and global brand ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger, recently shared with The Business of Fashion that the fashion industry has awakened to the sport's capability of captivating audiences worldwide.

Zhou Guanyu, renowned for being one of Formula 1's most fashion-forward personalities, finds his motivation in the fast-paced world of racing. However, when he's not competing, the 25-year-old's fervent interest in fashion takes the forefront.

Frequently, Zhou, accompanied by other prominent figures in the sport such as Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, arrives at the paddock clad in striking and imaginative outfits. Thursdays at the Grand Prix have begun to mirror a fashion runway, and the opportunity to express his individuality is something that the Chinese driver welcomes.

"Zhou revealed to Crash.net during the Italian Grand Prix, situated just a short distance from Milan – recognized as one of the global quartet of fashion hubs together with New York, Paris, and London – that he has always been drawn to fashion. It was in Milan, Italy's bustling metropolis, where Zhou experienced his inaugural Milan Fashion Week show.

As a child, around the age of 12 or 13, my mother had a significant impact on me. She really enjoyed seeing me dress stylishly. It was a different time, so naturally, the way we dressed was distinct.

"However, around the ages of 13 or 14, I began to develop my own preferences and make choices about my clothing. My mother supported this independence, recognizing that my decisions were neither foolish nor outlandish. From there, my interest in fashion grew, eventually becoming a hobby."

Inspired by his mother, Zhou has also found motivation in expressing himself without restraint, influenced by Hamilton, the most triumphant driver in F1 history, who has redefined the traditional attire of racing drivers at the track.

"In Formula 1, Lewis has made remarkable strides by introducing fashion into the mix, transforming Thursdays into somewhat of a runway show, akin to the NBA's pre-game 'tunnel walk'," he elaborated, pointing to the pre-match ritual.

"I believe it's wonderful to possess that. There's a noticeable transformation. Initially, I introduced fashion into the paddock, and subsequently, other drivers began to embrace it as well. It's now become a common practice for all drivers on Thursdays, and I'm pleased about it."

Emulating Hamilton's approach to style, last year, Zhou entered into a partnership that led to him representing the prestigious French luxury brand Dior as a brand ambassador in his native land. Additionally, he has partnered with renowned brands like Lululemon and PUMA.

He mentioned, "Currently, Dior, Rick Owens, and Chrome Hearts are my favorites," acknowledging the significant impact these designers have had on his style preferences. "These are the brands I frequently wear, whether I'm here at the track or just out and about in everyday life."

See this Instagram update from 周冠宇 | Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@zhouguanyu24)

Check out this Instagram post from Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@zhouguanyu24)

Zhou has a particular fascination with sneakers, accumulating an extensive assortment in his closet. He holds a passion for denim as well, favoring exclusive, tailor-made jeans. These aren't ordinary jeans; they begin at a price point of approximately £5,000 and feature silver detailing.

He expressed, "I've had a passion for sneakers for many years which led to me amassing a collection," he mentioned. "However, now that I have endorsements with certain brands, there are restrictions on the sneakers I can wear, reducing how often I add to my collection. I continue purchasing them, but they mostly end up stored away in my closet.

"Now, I've become an avid collector of Chrome Heart jeans. Priced around £5,000, they're incredibly hard to find due to the genuine silver and leather stitching they feature. I simply think they're exceptionally distinctive."

Returning to the circuit, Zhou's hopes of staying in Formula 1 by 2025 are diminishing, as only one spot remains available at Sauber. He is confronted with the possibility of his Formula 1 journey ending after merely three years – significantly sooner than he had anticipated.

Zhou's passion for fashion remains strong, yet his ambition is to create a significant impact on Chinese motorsport. He has set numerous records already, including being the first Chinese driver in F1, the first to earn points, and the first to compete in the Chinese Grand Prix.

This year's event in China represented a significant milestone for Zhou, whose passion for Formula 1 originated from observing his hero, Fernando Alonso, compete at the first-ever Chinese Grand Prix held at the Shanghai International Circuit, precisely twenty years prior.

Should this mark the conclusion of Zhou's journey in Formula 1, he aims to leave a legacy by motivating future Chinese racing talents.

"He expressed his desire to establish a go-kart track in his hometown after his racing career," he mentioned, talking about his future aspirations. "He mentioned that Yuki [Tsunoda] is keen on opening a restaurant in Japan, his home country."

"I'm interested in establishing a go-kart track in Shanghai. It closely aligns with my professional journey, and I believe it's something the community should have. I feel it will significantly benefit the younger population in my homeland."

"Certainly, fashion is a pastime I enjoy, but it's not something I envision dedicating all my time to once my motorsport career concludes. Post-motorsports, I'm looking forward to a more tranquil, stable lifestyle."

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