The Chinese Grand Prix produced another fascinating race during the 2024 season with plenty of action at the front of the back of the grid.
And while there were safety cars, different strategies and plenty of collisions, nothing could prevent Max Verstappen from winning his fourth Grand Prix of the campaign.
However, journalist Will Buxton has admitted that there was another driver who received a reception from the crowd that nearly knocked him off his feet.
For the first time in five years, Formula 1 returned to Shanghai and home fans were treated to the first Sprint weekend of the season.
While there was some excitement as they watched Verstappen take the chequered flag, the crowd was rooting for someone else.
Buxton was revealed that the reaction Zhou Guanyu received at the Chinese Grand Prix was simply extraordinary.
He came within a position of earning his first point of the season in the Sprint Race.
Unfortunately, Sunday’s Grand Prix didn’t quite go to plan although he lasted longer than teammate Valtteri Bottas.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber from team principal to Audi future
Will Buxton blown away by Zhou Guanyu reaction at the Chinese Grand Prix
Zhou Guanyu hasn’t set the world of Formula 1 on fire since he made his debut at the beginning of the 2022 season.
He wasn’t a driver that rose quickly through the junior ranks destroying every driver he came across like Max Verstappen, George Russell or Oscar Piastri.
Instead, his steady rise earned him a seat at Alfa Romeo, although it’s been suggested his appearance on the grid might not be completely down to his speed.
Zhou had to watch as his home race was cancelled in 2022 and 2023 but has finally earned his chance to race in Shanghai.
Buxton couldn’t believe the reaction from the Chinese fans when he spoke to Zhou before the race.
He’ll be disappointed that he couldn’t help Sauber earn their first point of the season.
However, with his future on the F1 grid on the line, he’ll know he needs to do more to still be around the next time the paddock arrives in Shanghai in 2025.
READ MORE: Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu’s life outside F1 from height to net worth
Zhou Guanyu fighting for his Formula 1 future
After speaking to Zhou before the Chinese Grand Prix, Buxton said: “The crowd’s noise for Zhou almost knocked me off my feet during the interviews.
“Don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like it at a race.”
It speaks volumes about how popular Zhou is in China considering the receptions certain drivers get at other tracks.
Max Verstappen’s welcome at Zandvoort, the trio of Brits at Silverstone and Sergio Perez in Mexico all come to mind.
Unfortunately for Zhou, right now it looks like it might be the first and last time he hears that home crowd cheer him on.
Sauber become Audi in 2026 but are already lining up their preferred drivers for next year.
Carlos Sainz is their top target after being released by Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton.
It also appears that Nico Hulkenberg will make the switch from Haas, while both Alpine drivers have had discussions with Audi.
Zhou has made some fantastic memories this weekend if it’s his first and final visit to the circuit in Formula 1. However, anything can happen in this sport and there are still 19 more races for Zhou to prove he’s worthy of a seat.
The post Will Buxton says he’s never ‘heard anything like’ reaction to 25-year-old driver during Chinese GP appeared first on F1 Oversteer.