Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu has said that he is not thinking about the future past the end of this season, and that he is focusing on trying to earn more points for the team.

Zhou became China's first full-time Formula 1 driver at the start of this year as he joined Alfa in an all-new driver line-up alongside Valtteri Bottas.

He started the campaign well, too, as he finished 10th in his debut Grand Prix in Bahrain but that solitary point from Sakhir remains all he has to show for his efforts points-wise as we now head to round eight of the championship in Baku this weekend.

Some misfortune here and there hasn't helped him but, with Bottas weighing in with 40 points and going along very well indeed in the sister car, Zhou knows despite his inexperience that the equipment is there for him to improve his tally.

That's all he's focusing on at the moment, too, with him revealing he has given little thought to the future:

“It’s still the beginning of this season. So I have no plans yet towards the future or what’s the plan yet. But I quite enjoy my moments so far in Formula 1.

“Of course, it’s been quite up and down, due to the last few races.

“But overall, I feel very happy and very nice to be here. And I feel like there are still plenty of races for me to develop my ability in Formula 1 yet.

“So I’m not really too worried about the future yet. And I think right now I’ll just try to focus on getting myself up to speed and bring the team double points finishes."

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 28: Zhou Guanyu of China driving the (24) Alfa Romeo F1 C42 Ferrari during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 28, 2022 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Zhou is a talented, quick driver that displayed his talents regularly during his time in Formula 2 before he made the step up for this season.

He will, however, be eager to get more points on the board for Alfa, as they continue with their fine progress made since last season.