Zhou Guanyu: Racing’s Fashion Icon Blending Speed with Style in F1’s Glitzy Paddock

EXCLUSIVE: Zhou Guanyu Discusses F1 Fashion Trends and Top Outfit Picks

Zhou Guanyu shares his passion for fashion with Lewis Larkam of Crash.net, discussing how he incorporates his unique style into the Formula 1 paddock.

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 rapidly expanding.

With Liberty Media at the helm, Formula 1 has expanded its international allure, drawing in notable brands and celebrities. Among them 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 recognized as one of the most fashionable individuals in Formula 1. Although his enthusiasm for fast-paced, adrenaline-filled racing fuels his dedication during competitions, it is fashion that captivates the 25-year-old's interest when he's not on the track.

It's not unusual to spot Zhou arriving at the paddock dressed in striking and imaginative outfits, much like other top athletes in the sport, such as Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The scene on Grand Prix Thursdays has begun to look like a fashion runway, and Zhou relishes the opportunity to express his individuality.

"I’ve always been passionate about fashion," Zhou shared with Crash.net during the Italian Grand Prix, which took place near Milan, a city renowned as one of the world's top fashion hubs along with New York, Paris, and London. It was in this bustling metropolis, Italy's second-largest, that Zhou experienced his inaugural Milan Fashion Week event.

During my childhood, around the age of 12 or 13, my mother had a significant impact on me. She enjoyed seeing me wear stylish outfits. As times change, naturally, so does the way you dress.

"However, when I turned 13 or 14, I began developing my own sense of style and choosing my own clothing. She allowed me to do so because she noticed that I wasn't making any reckless or bizarre choices. Over time, this interest grew and became a hobby of mine."

In addition to being inspired by his mother, Zhou has found motivation to express himself openly after observing Hamilton, the most successful driver in F1 history, redefine the standard attire for racing drivers at the track.

In the world of Formula 1, it has been fantastic to see how Lewis has managed to introduce fashion into the scene. He has turned Thursdays into a sort of fashion runway, reminiscent of how NBA players showcase their style during the pre-game 'tunnel walk,' he said.

"It's fantastic to see this happening. I've noticed a significant transformation. I began introducing some fashion into the paddock, and gradually other drivers followed suit. Now, it's a common occurrence for all drivers on Thursdays, and I'm pleased about it."

Mirroring Hamilton's style ventures, Zhou secured an agreement last year to represent the prestigious French fashion house Dior as a brand ambassador in his native country. Additionally, he has worked with companies like Lululemon and PUMA.

He expressed that Dior, Rick Owens, and Chrome Hearts currently hold the top spots on his list of favorite brands. These designers have significantly shaped his fashion style. "Most of the time, whether I'm at the track or just going about my day, these are the brands I choose to wear," he mentioned.

Check out this Instagram post by Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@zhouguanyu24). The post is shared by Zhou Guanyu 🇨🇳 (@zhouguanyu24).

Check out this Instagram post by Zhou Guanyu, who goes by the handle @zhouguanyu24.

Zhou has a particular passion for a certain type of clothing—trainers. He has gathered an extraordinary assortment of them in his closet. In addition to his love for trainers, he is also fond of jeans, but not just any ordinary pairs. He prefers exclusive, tailor-made jeans that start at approximately £5,000 and feature silver decorations.

"In recent years, I've had a strong passion for sneakers, leading me to build up a collection," he explained. "However, now that I'm partnered with certain brands, I can't wear some of the sneakers, so my enthusiasm has somewhat diminished. I still purchase them, but mostly just store them in my closet."

"I've become an avid enthusiast of Chrome Heart jeans. These jeans are priced around £5,000. They're incredibly hard to come by due to their use of genuine silver and leather stitching, which makes them exceptionally distinctive."

Returning to the racing scene, Zhou's hopes of staying in Formula 1 for the 2025 season are dwindling, with only one position still available at Sauber. He is confronted with the stark possibility that his Formula 1 journey may conclude after only three seasons, which is sooner than he anticipated.

Although Zhou remains deeply fascinated by fashion, he is resolute in his ambition to create a significant impact on Chinese motorsport. He has already reached numerous groundbreaking achievements: becoming China's inaugural F1 driver, the first to earn points, and the pioneer to compete in the Chinese Grand Prix.

This year's race in China was a significant milestone for Zhou. His passion for Formula 1 was ignited two decades ago when he watched his hero, Fernando Alonso, compete at the first-ever Chinese Grand Prix from the stands of the Shanghai International Circuit.

Should Zhou's F1 career come to a close, he aims to leave a legacy by motivating future Chinese racers.

He expressed a desire to establish a go-kart track in his hometown once his racing career is over. "I know Yuki [Tsunoda] dreams of opening a restaurant in Japan," he mentioned.

"I am interested in establishing a go-kart track in Shanghai. Given its connection to my professional journey, I believe it would be a great asset for the younger generations in my home country."

"Fashion is certainly an interest of mine, something I enjoy, but I wouldn't claim it's how I want to dedicate all my time once my motorsports career is over. After racing, the goal is really to lead a peaceful, stable life."

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