Guanyu Zhou has explained the reasoning behind choosing the number 24 for his F1 career, as he prepares to step up to the top echelon. Zhou will become China's first-ever full-time F1 driver when he gets behind the wheel of the Alfa Romeo C40 on the grid for the season-opening race in Bahrain in March. All drivers, before starting their F1 careers, are required to choose a number that they will then use for the entirety of their time in the sport. The only exception to this is for the World Champion, who can use to run the number one instead of their usual number. In the FIA's official entry list for 2022, it was revealed that Zhou has chosen the number 24 and he's since explained that the reason for this is due to his admiration of Kobe Bryant.
"A great inspiration"
The basketball legend became synonymous with the number during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, prior to his death in a helicopter accident in Los Angeles in January 2020. "Kobe Bryant was a great inspiration for me when I was more interested in basketball than in motorsport," Zhou is quoted by Speedweek. "What made the most impression on me was his work ethic. Although he was considered the best player of his era, he worked tirelessly on himself. "He got up at four in the morning, started exercising, then took his kids to school and continued exercising. In addition, 24 is four times six, and six is a lucky number in my home country."
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