After a brief adventure with Ferrari, Zhou Guanyu finds himself at a crossroads. Having transitioned from a full-time Formula 1 driver to a reserve, the Chinese driver still hopes to shine in the paddock. In the meantime, the Scuderia wishes him good luck for the future.
Looking Back on a Tumultuous Journey
After losing his status as a full-time driver in Formula 1 at the end of the 2024 season, replaced by Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto at Stake Sauber, Zhou Guanyu found refuge at Ferrari for the 2025 season, taking on the role of reserve driver. The Chinese driver, who took his first steps in motorsport within the Ferrari junior academy from 2015 to 2018, then joined Renault before starting his F1 career in 2022 with Alfa Romeo.
The Announced Break
On Friday, January 2, the Scuderia announced the end of its collaboration with Zhou Guanyu, just a year after his arrival in Maranello. In a statement on social media, the Italian team expressed its gratitude: “We are grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as a Ferrari reserve driver this season! We wish him the best for the future.”
An Uncertain but Determined Future
At 26, Zhou Guanyu still harbors the ambition to remain in the world of Formula 1. His main goal? To secure a role with Cadillac F1, the new team making its debut this season as the eleventh entry in the championship. The American team has already signed Zhou’s former teammate, Valtteri Bottas, as a full-time driver alongside Sergio Pérez.
Displayed Ambitions
In a statement to the official F1 website at the beginning of the 2025 season, Zhou Guanyu asserted: “I am hungry at the thought of getting back in a seat, with a full-time F1 steering wheel.” His ambitions are clear: “My long-term goal is very clear and very simple. I’m sure everyone knows it.”
The Reality of the Reserve Role
Although his role as a reserve driver may seem less prestigious, Zhou Guanyu takes it very seriously. He states: “But I think having years like this allows for stability, and it’s still a very important role. It’s not like being a reserve driver means I’m sidelined. I feel a great responsibility with the team.”
An Unwavering Commitment
He continues by discussing the importance of his position: “We are there to try to win races, we always have an impact, so it’s very important and everything really counts here.” Zhou Guanyu is committed to continuing to work hard while remaining ready to seize any opportunity that may arise: “If there’s a chance, an opportunity, there’s no doubt: I will fight for it, for a comeback.”
