Source:REUTERS/HAMAD I MOHAMMED
[Saba Sports News] In 2024, the Shanghai
International Circuit, also known as the “on-track,” will celebrate
the 20th anniversary of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix. This event marks the home
debut of China’s first Formula 1 (F1) racing driver, Zhou Guanyu. As a result,
the event organizing committee established a special “Come on China Week”
stand, which sold out within 15 minutes, highlighting Zhou Guanyu’s immense
popularity. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of various parties, Zhou
Guanyu’s commercial value has surged this year. He has secured endorsements
from numerous brands, including Hublot, Hennessy, HSBC, Dior, lululemon,
Anmuxi, and newly signed partnerships with e-sports brand ROG and Geely
sub-brand Ji Krypton Automobile. These endorsement deals have brought
substantial income to Zhou Guanyu, positioning him among the top earners in terms
of commercial revenue among F1 drivers. While his annual salary of $2 million
places him near the lower end in terms of driver salaries, his commercial
income rivals that of top drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, and
Charles Leclerc. This indicates that Zhou Guanyu’s commercial value has reached
remarkable heights. From a market perspective, it is considered ideal for a
driver to make their home debut soon after entering F1. Reflecting on the past,
when Hamilton joined McLaren, he revitalized the sluggish British car scene and
boosted attendance at the historic Silverstone track. Now, all eyes are on Zhou
Guanyu and the impact he can bring to the Shanghai International Circuit.