Zhou appointed Special Olympics ambassador

Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu has been appointed a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.

The 24-year-old welcomed Special Olympics Great Britain athletes to the paddock at Silverstone last weekend ahead of the British Grand Prix, in which he finished 15th.

The Special Olympics is an organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter events.

"It's a huge honour to become a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics," Zhou said in a statement.

"I've recently met with and watched several athletes from around the world compete.

"To learn more about their passion for their sport and see the friendship and warmth that they show for their competitors in their Special Olympics family was inspiring.

"Everyone deserves the right to shine and to fulfil their potential and I'm thrilled to become part of such a great sporting and inclusion movement."

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Zhou Guanyu as a Global Ambassador, as he joins us in spreading awareness about the profound impact sports can have in fostering genuine social inclusion," said Special Olympics International CEO Mary Davis.

"We share his vision in helping to create a world where inclusivity knows no boundaries, driven by the unifying spirit of sports."

Zhou currently sits 16th in the F1 Drivers' Championship with four points from the first ten races of 2023.