Zhou Guanyu scored his first points of the season since the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix, after he was promoted into the top-10 once time penalties had been added to other drivers finishing times.
The Qatar GP was the ultimate test of endurance and mental strength, with the immense heat and high humidity having made it a real struggle for all of the drivers.
Several took themselves to the medical centre after the race due to severe dehydration and heat exhaustion, whilst most required help to get out of their car.
On top of this, Zhou had the daunting challenge of trying to work his way from the back of the grid after qualifying in P20.
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The Chinese driver started at the back and worked his way through the field beautifully; however, he actually finished the race just outside the top-10.
Due to time penalties for Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly, Zhou was promoted from P12 to ninth, much to his delight.
Zhou sealed a much-needed double points finish for Alfa Romeo, as Valtteri Bottas finished directly ahead of him in eighth.
Their double points finish has moved the Hinwil-based team up into P8 in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of Haas by four points.
Zhou was clearly delighted on the result and was quick to celebrate it on social media.
“From Last to P9!” Zhou celebrated on Instagram.
“Double points finish today for the team, amazing job from everyone in @alfaromeostake & @valtteribottas for this great come back!”
The Chinese driver had a star from the football world congratulate him on the result, with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois having praised the 24-year-old.
“Great drive my friend,” commented Courtois.
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Remarkably, Zhou’s P9 in Qatar is just his third points finish of the season.
Earlier in the year, Zhou finished in the top-10 in Australia and Spain, with the latter having taken place all the way back in the start of June.
It means that Zhou ended his unwanted four-month streak of failing to score any points, much to his pleasure and presumably relief.