Ferrari will have a new reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi in 2025. After finishing his F1 adventure with Sauber, Zhou Guanyu will join the Scuderia and wear the red overalls.
At the end of last season, his third in Formula 1, the 25-year-old worked on different solutions to stay in the paddock.
Zhou was always an option for Ferrari, especially after his strong end to 2024 – when he competed well against Valtteri Bottas after receiving Sauber’s update package.
However, Zhou’s candidacy remained in the background throughout the winter – as Ferrari evaluated several options. They eventually opted for Zhou, a decision no doubt assisted by their relationship with Cadillac – who will make their F1 debut with Ferrari engines.
Cadillac’s team principal, Graeme Lowdon, has spent several years in Zhou’s management team. He played an important role in negotiating this agreement.
In the meantime, Ferrari are working diligently to prepare for the new season. Not only are Hamilton and Leclerc taking to the track in tests, but so are reserves Giovinazzi and Dino Beganovic. The latter (a 21-year-old Swede set to race in Formula 2 this year) drove on the third day of TPC tests in Barcelona.
Zhou’s Career
Returning to Ferrari can be considered something of a homecoming for Zhou. From 2014 to 2018, Zhou was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, before joining the Renault Sport Academy program the following year.
His debut in Formula 1 dates back to 2022 with Alfa Romeo, where he took the place of Giovinazzi, who he now works with in Maranello. The 25-year-old then spent another two years in F1 for Sauber.
Unfortunately for Zhou, his P8 at the Qatar GP (Sauber’s only points of 2024) was not enough to earn a new contract. Still, he will stay active in the paddock with his new Ferrari reserve contract.
Meanwhile, Sauber continues their 2025 pre-season with Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
