Zhou Guanyu: Racing into the World of Fashion – F1’s Rising Style Icon Shares His Passion and Plans Beyond the Track

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu Discusses F1's Fashion Craze and Top Outfit Choices

In an exclusive interview with Crash.net's Lewis Larkam, Zhou Guanyu shares his passion for fashion and how he adds a personal touch to the F1 paddock's style.

Fashion might not be what immediately comes to mind when you consider Formula 1, yet the connection between the sport and the fashion world is rapidly expanding.

As Formula 1 expands its international allure under the stewardship of Liberty Media, the racing series' allure and spectacle have drawn in major brands and stars like Tommy Hilfiger, which embarked on a promotional partnership with Mercedes in 2018.

"Recently, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion and ambassador for the global brand Tommy Hilfiger, shared with The Business of Fashion that the fashion industry has begun to recognize the international appeal and audience reach of the sport."

Zhou Guanyu, one of Formula 1's most fashion-forward personalities, is equally passionate about racing and fashion. The thrill of fast-paced racing fuels his on-track ambitions, but off the track, the 25-year-old finds significant motivation in his keen interest in fashion.

Frequently, Zhou can be spotted arriving at the race track alongside renowned athletes like Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, sporting bold and imaginative outfits. Thursdays at the Grand Prix have begun to take on the vibe of a fashion runway, and this opportunity to express his individuality is something that the racer from China welcomes with open arms.

Zhou expressed to Crash.net during the Italian Grand Prix, which took place near Milan – recognized as one of the global fashion hubs alongside New York, Paris, and London – that he has always been passionate about fashion. It was in Milan, Italy's second major city, where he experienced his initial fashion week show.

During my childhood, around the ages of 12 or 13, my mother had a significant impact on me. She really enjoyed seeing me dress stylishly. It was a different era, so naturally, the way we dressed was distinct.

"However, around the time I turned 13 or 14, I began to develop my own sense of style and make choices about my clothing. My mother allowed me this freedom because she noticed that my decisions were sensible and not outlandish. From that point, my interest in fashion grew and it became a hobby for me."

Zhou has found motivation not only in his mother's influence but also in observing Hamilton, the top achiever in F1, who has redefined the traditional expectations for a racing driver's attire at the racecourse.

"In the realm of Formula 1, the impact Lewis has made by introducing fashion into the scene is remarkable. It's transformed Thursdays into something akin to a fashion runway, mirroring what we see in the NBA during their pre-game 'tunnel walk'," he elaborated, pointing out the pre-match tradition.

"I believe it's wonderful to possess that. There's been a substantial shift. I initiated the trend of introducing fashion into the paddock, and subsequently, other racers began to follow suit. Hence, it has now turned into a regular occurrence for all drivers on Thursdays, and I'm pleased about it."

Echoing Hamilton's trendsetting path, last year Zhou entered into an agreement that made him a brand representative for the prestigious French luxury brand Dior in his native land. Additionally, he has partnered with popular labels like Lululemon and PUMA.

"Currently, Dior, Rick Owens, and Chrome Hearts are my favorites," he mentioned, citing these designers as having a significant impact on his style. "These are the brands I find myself wearing often, whether I'm here or just going about my everyday activities."

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

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

Zhou has a particular fascination with sneakers, accumulating a remarkable assortment in his closet. In addition to this, he has a penchant for denim, favoring not just ordinary jeans but exclusive, tailor-made ones that begin selling at approximately £5,000 and are adorned with silver.

He expressed, "I've had a passion for sneakers for many years, leading me to amass a collection," he shared. "However, now that I'm affiliated with certain brands, there are restrictions on the shoes I can wear, which has somewhat diminished my enthusiasm. I continue to purchase them, but they primarily stay in my closet."

"Now I've become a huge fan of collecting Chrome Heart jeans. They cost about £5k each. It's really hard to find them since they're made with actual silver and have leather stitching. I think they're truly one-of-a-kind."

Returning to the circuit, Zhou's opportunity to stay in Formula 1 by 2025 is diminishing, as there's only one available position at Sauber. He is confronted with the likelihood of his Formula 1 journey concluding after merely three years, which is sooner than he had anticipated.

Zhou remains enthralled by fashion, yet his ambition is to create an enduring impact on motorsport in China. He has marked significant achievements, including being the inaugural F1 driver from China, the first among them to earn points, and the pioneering participant in the Chinese Grand Prix.

This year's event in China represented a significant milestone for Zhou, whose passion for F1 originated from observing his hero Fernando Alonso at the very first Chinese Grand Prix held at the Shanghai International Circuit, precisely twenty years prior.

Should this mark the conclusion of Zhou's Formula 1 journey, his aim is to leave a legacy by motivating future Chinese racers.

"He expressed his desire to establish a go-kart track in his hometown as part of his future endeavors after racing. He mentioned that Yuki [Tsunoda] is interested in starting a restaurant in Japan, his native country."

"I'm interested in establishing a go-kart track in Shanghai. It's closely linked to my professional journey, and I believe it's something that the community would benefit from. I feel this would significantly support the youth in my hometown."

"Certainly, fashion is an interest of mine, something I enjoy engaging in, but I wouldn’t claim it's something I aim to dedicate all my time to after my career in motorsports ends. Post-motorsports, the goal is simply to lead a calm, stable life."

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