Formula 1: Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu left to wonder what might have been after being forced out of Miami Grand Prix
- Technical issue means Chinese driver, who started 17th on the grid, has to withdraw after just six laps
- Teammate Valtteri Bottas claims some points after finishing seventh in Florida
A weekend that promised much ended in disappointment for Alfa Romeo’s Zhou Guanyu, after he was forced to retire from the Miami Grand Prix because of a technical issue.
The Chinese driver, who said he “felt strong” during the start of the race, was left to wonder what might have been after completing just six laps before his team called a halt to proceedings on Sunday (US time).
Zhou, who began from 17th on the grid but was starting move up the field, had already had a frustrating few days and failed to make it through the first round of qualifying for the first time in his rookie season.
He was at least able to get his ailing car into the pit lane, with the orders to end his day coming over team radio. “We have to stop. I can’t believe it,” Zhou was told.
“Unfortunately we had to retire the car, we had a technical problem. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but we have to investigate,” Zhou said.
“I think it was the right call to prevent more damage, but it was a bit unfortunate because it was such a good first few laps. I was getting past [McLaren’s] Daniel [Ricciardo] and the guys ahead, I was feeling strong in the car [and thought] I would be in the points today.
“It’s not the way I wanted to finish. I think we had an opportunity today and we’ve missed out on that. We really have to focus on reducing these little mistakes.”