Zhou is named Autosport's Rookie of the Year

Zhou, the first Chinese driver to compete in F1 full-time, finished 18th in the standings after scoring six points. Zhou was selected the best rookie of 2022 by Autosport readers, beating off Toyota’s World Endurance champion Ryo Hirakawa, IndyCar podium finisher Christian Lundgaard, and F2 race winner Logan Sargeant. Zhou’s victory was announced at the Autosport Awards on December 4th at Grosvenor House on Park Lane.

Tricky year

Zhou, who received the award from Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner, said in a video: “Hi guys, as you can see I just won Rookie of the Year, thanks to everyone who supported me and voted for me.” I’ve been fighting all year, it’s been a difficult year, but I’ve had great support from the track and fans at home, so thank you very much.” Jenson Button, Juan Pablo Montoya, Mark Webber, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri are previous winners of the prize, which is accessible to professional racing drivers in their debut season in their respective categories.

International Racing Driver of the Year presented by Pirelli, International Rally Driver of the Year, British Competition Driver of the Year, International Racing Car of the Year presented by Blink Experience, Rally Car of the Year, National Driver of the Year, and Esports Driver of the Year presented by Motorsport Games are among the other categories decided by fan voting. The Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award, the Gold Medal for lifelong legacy, the Gregor Grant Award for lifetime achievement, Motorsport Promoter of the Year, and Motorsport Games Esports Team of the Year are also presented by professional judging panels. Bang & Olufsen Moment of the Year and Autosport Williams Engineer of the Future are two honours that have returned.