Gear box - Guanyu Zhou

We dive into the paddocks to take a look at the essential items for our drivers on a race weekend. From iPads and airpods to helmets and hats and much more, we find out what they can’t travel without.

Guanyu Zhou is up first…

The Helmet

The race helmets are made of carbon fibre and one of the most important things for any driver, because it’s what protects your head. Our helmets have to pass a certain level of safety and this year there was a new rule that makes the new visor a lot stronger than in the past.

Each driver will then have their own design on the helmet. The base colour of mine is yellow - the Renault colour. I have always kept the same basic design since my first time racing in karting. On the top I have added my own logo, which are the five stars that represent my country China, because on the Chinese flag they have five stars. The back is quite special because you have my Chinese symbols on the back, as well as the Shanghai skyline. That’s where I was born and where I come from, so it feels quite nice to have it on my helmet.

Head and Neck Support (HANS) system

This is a bit more simple, but something that you can’t miss. Every driver has to have a HANS device next to the helmet. It basically clicks onto the helmet and every time you go to brake, it stops your neck and your back moving forward, which makes it really important. You are travelling at such a high speed and going into corners with a lot of downforce, so when you have to brake hard, this protects your head and back moving.

The Race Suit

It is a Renault suit in the same design as the Formula 1 team and I can customize it with my own sponsors. It is tailored to me – before the start of the season the Alpinestars guys will measure you up and make the suit just for you. Again, it is fire proof.

The Race Boots

It’s important for your race boots to be slim fit and moulded to your feet. Every driver is pedalling on the brake and throttle, so the boots are quite important for your driving and you must be comfortable and happy in them. Once again they’re fireproof.

The Balaclava