It was a much better weekend for Zhou Guanyu in Las Vegas, as he managed to get out of Q1 for the first time since the British Grand Prix. Starting and finishing 13th, there is some perspective for the Kick Sauber driver, as the upgrades seem to work and give the team a fighting chance in the backfield.
“I think that’s the best we’ve been in a while, since the summer I think,” Zhou reflects on his race. “First of all, I’m just really happy with the upgrades working and the team giving me a car that I can finally fight [with], and the feeling of finding the confidence back, which is a main topic I’m extremely happy with.
“It’s been very positive this weekend in terms of that. Today’s race was clean, but not a lot happening ahead, so we can’t really make much more than what we were.”
The Swiss team upgraded the C44, and for the first time both drivers were able to test out the package, much to the delight of Zhou.
“We have a new package, and I think it’s been a while when both cars are having that, and also for me this weekend it’s good to be finally trying that, not just having something new straight away for a sprint race weekend like we did in São Paulo.”
“For me it’s good to at least test that and finding this rhythm, this balance we needed before qualifying to make it work.
“I think this direction for next year is in the right way, this new package. It’s a bit later than I hoped, but I’m just going to try to enjoy it as much as I could.”
Zhou hopes to give the team a proper goodbye
Following an underwhelming second half of the season, which saw Zhou occupying the last place on the grid more times than not, the Chinese driver hopes to give his team a proper send-off as he won’t be on the grid next year.
“It’s been a bit of a disappointment season, especially the second part, not having the upgrades we wanted to have, always having the old package. So it pulls me back a little bit when it’s very important timings for my future.”
“But in another way, like I said, I’m very relieved and looking forward to the next two races, together with the next chapter.
“I want to make sure to give the guys as much credit as I could for the remaining races, and just see where we are.”
