Zhou Guanyu and the C44 at the 2024 Chinese GP Miniature 1:18: A Historic Debut in Shanghai

History and Origin of the C44

The C44 is the car built by Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber for the 2024 Formula 1 season.

After years competing under the Alfa Romeo name, the Swiss team entered a transition phase before becoming Audi F1 in 2026. The C44 was the first car to carry the Stake identity, the title sponsor.

The model debuted in February 2024, with a completely redesigned design compared to the previous car (C43).

Zhou Guanyu at the 2024 Chinese GP

The 2024 Chinese GP was much more than just a round of the championship for Zhou Guanyu: it was a dream come true.

Zhou became the first Chinese driver in history to compete in Formula 1 on home soil.

The local crowd packed the stands, making the race a spectacle of national support.

Although the C44 wasn't among the most competitive, Zhou delivered a solid performance and earned great respect for his clean and consistent driving.

Even without contending for a podium, simply seeing a Chinese driver racing at the Shanghai circuit marked a profound cultural shift for F1 in Asia.

Cultural Impact and Exclusivity

Zhou Guanyu's race at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix was a historic moment for motorsports:National Pride: Zhou received a standing ovation from the crowd and became a symbol of inspiration for young Chinese drivers.

F1 Expansion in Asia: The event attracted millions of spectators, solidifying China as a key market for the future of the sport. Merchandising and Collectibles: The C44 in Stake black and green paint has already become a coveted object among collectors of model cars and official F1 memorabilia.

Rare Facts

• Home Debut: Zhou was the first Chinese driver to compete in the Chinese Grand Prix since its addition to the calendar in 2004.

• Special Livery: In Shanghai, the C44 received small, exclusive details in tribute to the Chinese public.

• Inspiration for the Future: Zhou has stated in interviews that he dreams of racing for Audi F1 in 2026, the successor to the current Sauber brand.

Design and Engineering

The C44 featured several technical changes, a result of the constant evolution required by Formula 1 regulations.

Visual and technical highlights:

• New chassis and revised front suspension for improved performance in low- and medium-speed corners.

• More aggressive aerodynamics, with narrow air intakes and refined sidepods, aiming for greater efficiency.

• Black and fluorescent green livery, a radical departure from Alfa Romeo's red and white, highlights the new Stake identity.

• The cockpit was adapted for Zhou and Bottas, ensuring driving comfort and efficiency.

At the Chinese Grand Prix, the car received special attention due to Zhou's home debut—and gained even more visual prominence in global broadcasts.

C44 Technical Specifications

The C44 follows the 2024 F1 technical regulations, based on 1.6-liter V6 turbo hybrid engines:

• Engine: Ferrari 066/10 V6 turbo hybrid

• Combined power: approximately 1,000 hp (engine + electric drivetrain)

• Transmission: 8-speed semi-automatic

• Minimum weight: 798 kg (with driver and fuel)

• Top speed: over 330 km/h (depending on the circuit)

• ERS (Energy Recovery System): hybrid energy recovery system (kinetic and thermal)

Although not among the fastest cars on the grid, the C44 was designed to ensure consistency and reliability, important factors in long races like Shanghai.

C44

The C44 at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix wasn't just another car on the grid. It was the stage for Zhou Guanyu's historic home debut, in front of thousands of passionate fans and millions of spectators around the world.

The cultural impact of this moment goes far beyond the sporting results: it showed that Formula 1 has room to grow even further in Asia, and that Zhou Guanyu opened the doors for the next generation of Chinese drivers.