This means history for F1, and the 22-year-old Gaunyu Zhou has been named as the teammate to Valtteri Bottas at the team next season.

Zhou, who hails from China, will become the first-ever full-time F1 driver from the country. 

Speaking of his promotion to the highest level of motorsport, Zhou, said it's a dream come true and he feels well prepared to make the big leap.

“I dreamt from a young age of climbing as high as I can in a sport that I am passionate about and now the dream has come true. It is a privilege for me to start my Formula 1 career with an iconic team, a team that has introduced so much young talent into Formula 1 in the past. Now the dream is reality.

“I feel well prepared for the immense challenge of Formula 1, the pinnacle of my sport, alongside a proven, world-class talent in Valtteri Bottas. I wish to thank the Alfa Romeo Racing team for this opportunity. Next year the target will be to learn as much as possible and as quickly as possible.

“To be the first-ever Chinese driver in Formula 1 is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more.”

Meanwhile, the drivers are in Doha this week for Sunday's Qatar Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport