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Chinese Driver Guanyu Zhou Makes His Formula 1 Practice Debut
The current Formula 2 Championship leader, Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou, recently made his Formula 1 practice debut with Alpine, the Renault-owned team, during FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix. Borrowing the car of Fernando Alonoso, two-time F1 world champion, his appearance in Austria would be the first time in eight years that a Chinese driver has been on the F1 circuit. The previous Chinese driver Ma Quinghua drove in five practice sessions during 2012 and 2013 with HRT and Caterham.

Formula One / formula1.com
Zhou was already a test driver for the team as he was promoted from development driver in 2020. Joining the team’s Academy in 2019, he has had experience in testing the team’s machinery before. “Driving in FP1 at a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend is like a dream coming true and another step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver,” said Zhou.
“It’s going to be even more special that I’m driving Fernando’s car as he inspired me to pursue a career in racing when I was young. I’m very happy with my achievements so far and I’m very thankful for the support I have from those around me. My aim is to maximise this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Zhou did not disappoint as he proved himself with a 14th place finish out of 20 drivers, finishing 0.434 seconds behind Esteban Ocon in the other Alpine. “When I jumped out of the car Davide (Brivio, Racing Director) was there shaking my hand. The debrief we obviously went through all the stuff we need to go through and at the end Alan (Permane, Sporting Director) also said really well done to myself. So I’m really pleased how everyone congratulated me and I’m just going to keep working the way I am now and try to keep impressing people.”
And while contract negotiations are taking place during the summer, he may potentially land himself a F1 seat for the next year. If so, he’ll become the first Chinese driver to actually compete in F1, only fueling the growing popularity of the motorsport back in his home country.
News
35-Year-Old Takato Ishida Goes Viral as Japan’s Youngest Governor
On January 25, Takato Ishida, 35, won the Fukui gubernatorial election, becoming the youngest incumbent prefectural governor in Japan.
He collected 134,620 votes, narrowly beating former Echizen city mayor Kenichi Yamada, who received 130,290 votes, in one of Japan’s most conservative prefectures.
Ishida holds two bachelor’s degrees along with a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.
He joined Japan’s Foreign Ministry in 2015 and later served as deputy consul at the Japanese Consulate-General in Melbourne before resigning in December 2025 to run for office.
During his campaign, Ishida pledged to expand child-rearing support and actively used social media to reach voters.
He also took a firm stance on immigration, expressing strong opposition to what he described as ‘disorderly immigration’ and calling for stricter controls on mass migration into Japan.
But his record and policy stance are not what have the internet buzzing. It is his looks, apparently.
Political opponents accused voters of populism, arguing his win was driven more by his wholesome image than actual policy. Netizens, however, did not seem too bothered by that argument.
Despite this, supporters see Ishida as a symbol of generational change and a sign of growing voter frustration with political elites.
At 35, he has become proof that Japan’s political landscape is shifting and that a new generation is ready to lead.
News
‘Golden’ Makes History After Becoming First K-Pop Song to Win a GRAMMY
‘Golden’ from the hit animated film ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ just won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The win cements its place in music history as the first K-pop song ever to earn a Grammy.
Performed by EJAE with Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, the song previously made chart impact by leading the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.
Globally, it also topped the Billboard Global 200, remaining at number one for 20 weeks across the world.
‘Golden’ stood out among strong competitors, including songs from ‘TRON: Ares,’ ‘Sinners,’ and Elton John’s ‘Never Too Late.’
Beyond the win, the song also earned additional nominations for Song of the Year, Best Pop/Duo Performance, and Best Remixed Recording.
With its Grammy win secured, attention now shifts to the Academy Awards, where ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ competes in two major categories.
Fans and creators are hopeful that ‘Golden’ will continue its remarkable run, proving the song still has more milestones waiting ahead.
News
Jackie Chan Goes Viral After Recording a Farewell Song to Be Released After His Passing
71-year-old Jackie Chan has moved fans worldwide after revealing he has already recorded a personal farewell song meant to be released on the day he passes away.
This emotional project serves as his last goodbye, ensuring his voice remains even when he is gone.
The announcement was shared last December 28 during the Beijing premiere of his latest drama, ‘Unexpected Family.’
Chan said the idea came after losing close friends and colleagues in recent years, which led him to reflect on aging, life’s fragility and the importance of expressing one’s feelings while there is still time.
Despite the audience’s curiosity, he refused to sing a single note. He explained that performing it now would only make people cry.
Instead, the track remains locked away, a private treasure waiting to offer comfort to the world on the day he finally rests.
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