Zhou Guanyu joins Ferrari as reserve driver for 2025

©Ferrari

40

Ferrari has confirmed that former Sauber F1 charger Zhou Guanyu will take on a reserve role with the Scuderia this season, sharing duties with the team’s long-standing substitute Antonio Giovinazzi.

This move marks a return to Ferrari’s fold for Zhou, who was part of the Scuderia’s driver academy earlier in his career.

After three seasons as a full-time race driver with Sauber, Zhou found himself without a seat for 2025 as the Swiss outfit prepares for its transition into Audi’s works team in 2026.

Despite a challenging final campaign with the Swiss outfit, where he secured Sauber’s only points with an eighth-place finish in Qatar, the Chinese driver remains in F1 in a crucial supporting role for Ferrari.

Zhou made history in 2022 as the first Chinese driver in Formula 1, scoring points on debut in Bahrain.

His home race debut in 2024, when F1 returned to China after a five-year absence, was a milestone moment for both the 25-year-old and his home country’s many motorsport fans.

Strengthening Ferrari’s Reserve Bench

Ferrari’s decision to sign Zhou highlights the growing importance of a deep reserve lineup in modern F1, as demonstrated last season when Oliver Bearman stepped in for Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and finished seventh.

Similarly, Mercedes has secured Valtteri Bottas as a reserve for 2025, emphasizing the value of experienced stand-ins.

With Zhou and Giovinazzi sharing responsibilities, Ferrari ensures it has capable replacements available should either Charles Leclerc or new signing Lewis Hamilton be sidelined.

While Giovinazzi continues racing in the World Endurance Championship with Ferrari’s works representative AF Corse and its #51 499P, Zhou’s availability could see him get track time in the Scuderia’s machinery, a significant advantage for his future prospects.

Eyes on the Future

Zhou’s Ferrari opportunity could serve as a stepping stone for a return to a full-time race seat, particularly with General Motors/Cadillac entering F1 in 2026 using Ferrari power units and gearboxes.

Proving his ability in Ferrari equipment could enhance his chances of securing a spot on the grid when the new era begins.

For now, Zhou’s focus will be on staying sharp and ready for any potential call-up, as Ferrari gears up for an exciting 2025 season with Leclerc and Hamilton at the helm.