An Education Like No Other

Westbourne School is proud to showcase Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver in Formula 1, currently racing for Alfa Romeo. 

Zhou’s journey from karting to the F1 start grid is a remarkable story of passion, resilience, and support.

Zhou’s Westbourne Journey

Zhou moved to the UK to pursue his motorsport dreams, joining Westbourne after excelling in karting with Strawberry Racing. Despite language barriers, the school's small classes and individualised approach helped him thrive academically and personally. The supportive community at Westbourne played a crucial role in his development, both on and off the track.

In 2014, Zhou moved to the prestigious Formula 4 series in the UK before progressing to Formula 3 and then Formula 2, where he achieved significant success. His win at the 2019 Formula 2 Sprint Race in Bahrain marked a pivotal moment in his career and caught the attention of F1 teams.

A Recent Visit from Zhou

During a recent visit to Westbourne, Zhou shared his inspiring journey with current pupils. He highlighted how Westbourne’s focus on subjects like maths and PE laid the foundation for his success. His love for sports, including rugby and football, complemented his racing career. Zhou also discussed his time at the Ferrari Driver Academy, where he honed his skills and developed a deeper understanding of motorsport.

Zhou encouraged pupils:

“Follow your dreams and make the most of the opportunities that Westbourne offers to go after them, whatever your dreams may be.”

From Classroom to Race Track

Zhou’s rise to F1 required immense physical and mental resilience. In addition to his training regimen, which includes neck weights for handling g-forces and using telemetrics for post-race analysis, Zhou balances his physical and mental fitness to stay at the top of his game.

Zhou made his F1 debut with Alfa Romeo in 2022, becoming the first Chinese driver to race in the sport's elite category. He has since continued to impress with his consistent performances, developing a reputation for his maturity and work ethic. He credits the resilience learned at Westbourne for helping him stay grounded in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Zhou admires F1 champion Fernando Alonso and values humility and positivity in racing. His recent visit to Westbourne reminded pupils of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and community support.

Zhou Guanyu’s Message to the Next Generation:

"Westbourne School has been instrumental in enabling my passions to flourish. It’s a place where dreams take root, where every pupil is encouraged to pursue their interests with unwavering support and enthusiasm."

Zhou Guanyu - Class of 2014. F1 Driver for Alfa Romeo