Zhou will become the first F1 driver in China in 2022 after signing a contract to move from F2 to the Alfa Romeo team.
He will line up alongside race winner Bottas, who moved to the Hinwil team after a five-year stint at Mercedes.
The duo had their first experience of working together at the Abu Dhabi F1 post-season tire test last year.
Although he knows how good Bottas is after helping Mercedes win several constructors’ championship titles, Zhou thinks facing the Finn is a huge plus for him.
“For a rookie, there’s no better option than having Bottas as a teammate in your first season,” Zhou said in a recent social media interview.
“If I want to beat him, I know I have to work very hard and adapt very quickly to the whole of F1, and to the new car, from the start.
“But I think the most important thing is that he can help me through the learning curve. He’s a very open driver. He shares his information and talks with the team and with me, that which is very helpful.”
“After all, he has had so many podiums and victories in F1. Of all the drivers, only a few can outclass Hamilton, and he is one of them.
“I think he is a great reference and a very strong team-mate. I hope to improve with him next year.”
Guanyu Zhou, Alfa Romeo Racing
Photo by: Jerry André / Motorsport Images
Zhou, who finished third in F2 last year with five wins, has been making headlines in China since being confirmed to race in F1 last November.
Asked about his target in his first season in F1, the 22-year-old made it clear he was determined to bring home points for his team.
“First, I set myself a small goal to get points,” Zhou said. “I don’t know how competitive the car will be next season. We have to wait until the start of the season to have a clear picture.
“Personally, I would like to score points. But at the start of the season, I won’t wonder if it will be achievable in the first two races, just so as not to have too much pressure.
“I want to enjoy racing in F1, learn from my teammate and the engineers, and improve in all aspects.
“When I improve in all areas, then the results will come naturally.”
