Zhou believes stronger result was possible after first points finish of year

Zhou Guanyu feels that an even better result was possible after claiming his first points of the year at the Australian Grand Prix.

The Alfa Romeo driver ended the day in P10 after starting back in P17 on the grid, before being promoted up to P9 following Carlos Sainz's five-second penalty for colliding with Fernando Alonso at the penultimate race restart.

While Zhou was left pleased with the outcome of his race, the Chinese driver felt that more was potentially possible.

"Obviously at the end of the day it was a good result for me to grab my first points of the season," Zhou explained.

"But, if the red flag didn't come, we could have finished maybe P8, P7.

"I was happy with the progress we made because we were starting at the back of the grid today. The car was a lot more racy compared to yesterday, so I feel like I was able to fight in the mix with the guys around me. So, I was happy."

Zhou: Alfa Romeo haven't been most consistent team

Zhou acknowledges that Alfa Romeo have struggled for consistency so far in 2023, with the squad currently eighth in the Constructors' Championship on six points.

However, he is hopeful that the progress he experienced in Melbourne acts as a good sign of what is to come ahead of the next race on the calendar in Azerbaijan on 30 April.

"For us as a team we haven't been the most consistent midfield team so far," Zhou added.

"But there is plenty of work [happening, so] I'm sure we can get over it, and to be working through this reasonably long April break, and hopefully come back stronger, and to keep fighting together with the others."