Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois was very impressed with Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu after the Qatar Grand Prix.

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The Chinese driver took to Instagram after an incredibly difficult race at the Losail Circuit.

Nineteen drivers lined up on the grid on Sunday after Carlos Sainz was unable to start the race due to a technical issue.

Every single one of them that reached the checkered flag would have been delighted to have survived a real slog in some unbearable heat.

The big incident of the race occurred at the first corner when the two Mercedes cars collided, causing Lewis Hamilton to spin out of the race. He later took responsibility for the clash, but it set the tone for an action-packed race where every driver’s concentration was tested.

One driver who thrived in the desert yesterday was Zhou Guanyu.

Photo by Clive Mason – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

The 24-year-old hasn’t had the easiest season in an Alfa Romeo that’s been one of the slowest cars on the grid.

His drive to take him from 19th to 9th yesterday was incredibly impressive.

However, Thibaut Courtois was very impressed with Zhou as he scored a couple of rare points in Qatar.

He’ll be hoping that the springboard to a successful end to a second campaign in Formula 1.

Courtois impressed with Zhou in Qatar

Taking to Instagram after the race, Zhou said: “From Last to P9!

“Double points finish today for the team, amazing job from everyone in @alfaromeoracing & @valtteribottas for this great comeback!”

Courtois replied to the young driver and said: “Great drive my friend.”

2023 INSTAGRAM FROM META.

Zhou has now been confirmed as an Alfa Romeo driver for 2024, but that may not have been the case were it not for Guenther Steiner.

Alfa Romeo, who may become Sauber once again next year, wanted Nico Hulkenberg to replace the Chinese driver.

Qatar was only the third race where Zhou had scored points this season, much to the delight of Courtois.

He’s only four points behind teammate Valtteri Bottas, but the bottom three teams have found it incredibly difficult to record top-ten finishes.

Zhou’s aim is to finish with double figures in the points column and try to finish above Hulkenberg.

He may have been given a reprieve for 2024, but there’s no guarantee he’ll have a seat the following year.