Exceeding the expectations of many fans and pundits, Zhou's 10th-place finish in Bahrain earned a precious point in a dream F1 debut for the fast-rising Chinese star.

He maintained that momentum in Saudi Arabia last weekend, but his chances of a second straight points finish were scuppered by two penalties－the first imposed for cutting a corner in an early scrap with Williams' Alexander Albon, and the second for failing to serve the first penalty correctly when he pitted.

Zhou has resolved to do everything he can to avoid repeating such blips. "During the race, I always need to keep focused and calm, because F1 is a very intense motor sport. There can be very serious consequences if I'm distracted on the race track," he said.

"So I make sure not to get emotional. But after this race, I will have more communication with the team, and ensure we don't have such problems in the future."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won an epic battle with Charles Leclerc in Saudi Arabia, with Carlos Sainz completing the podium behind his Ferrari teammate.