Initially signed as a ‘stopgap’ before Theo Pourchaire was ready for F1, Zhou Guanyu’s form has given Alfa Romeo the ‘luxury problem’ of having three drivers but only two race seats for 2023.

Zhou made his way onto the grid this season as Valtteri Bottas’ team-mate, boosted by both his Chinese sponsorship and also that team boss Fred Vassuer felt Sauber protégé Pourchaire was not yet ready for Formula 1, the Frenchman wanting him to have a second season in Formula 2.

Zhou repaid Alfa Romeo’s faith in him at the opening race of the season, scoring a point on his debut in Bahrain.