Zhou Guanyu will remain in the F1 paddock in 2025 as Ferrari’s reserve driver. The Chinese river was let go by Sauber at the end of 2024.
Zhou scored the Hinwil-based team’s only points last season with an impressive eighth place in Qatar. Teammate Valtteri Bottas failed to score points as Sauber finished last in the Constructors’ Championship.
| Position | Constructors’ Standings | Points |
| 1 |
McLaren Racing |
666 |
| 2 |
Scuderia Ferrari |
652 |
| 3 |
Red Bull Racing |
589 |
| 4 |
Mercedes-AMG Petronas |
468 |
| 5 |
Aston Martin F1 Team |
94 |
| 6 |
Alpine F1 Team |
65 |
| 7 |
Haas F1 Team |
58 |
| 8 |
Visa Cash App RB Formula One Team |
46 |
| 9 |
Williams F1 Team |
17 |
| 10 |
Sauber F1 Team |
4 |
Zhou and Bottas were let go by the team at the end of the year. However, the duo will remain in the sport as reserve drivers – the former with Ferrari and the latter with Mercedes.
Zhou had been linked with Red Bull but the Milton Keynes-based outfit had a change of heart. Subsequently, Ferrari snapped up the 25-year-old and F1 fans were delighted with Zhou’s arrival to Maranello.
Lewis Hamilton once hailed Zhou as ‘really great’ – the seven-time champion and teammate Charles Leclerc will get to work closely with the Chinese driver in 2025 at Ferrari.
Zhou will put in some important work behind the scenes in the simulator and could even get an opportunity to race if Hamilton or Leclerc fall ill during the season. According to a report from Autosprint Magazine, Ferrari had intended to place their latest signing into another category.
Fred Vasseur wanted Zhou Guanyu to race in WEC in 2025 – ‘financial problems’ prevented it
Ferrari is F1’s most successful team with 15 drivers’ champions and 16 constructors’ titles. Outside of the pinnacle of motorsport, the Maranello outfit are heavily involved in other motorsport categories.
It is common for Ferrari’s reserve drivers to race in other divisions alongside their duties in F1. Former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi has been racing for the Maranello outfit in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) since 2023.
READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory
According to Autosprint, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur wanted Zhou to race regularly in WEC in 2025 to stay race-sharp.
Vasseur had been in discussions with Antonello Coletta – the head of Ferrari’s endurance programme – to get Zhou into the series. However, ‘financial problems’ meant the deal did not come to fruition, meaning the Chinese driver will be solely committed to his reserve role in F1 in 2025.
Zhou Guanyu outlines his ‘goal’ for F1 return in 2026
Naturally, at only 25 years old, Zhou does not see his F1 career to be over. He is eyeing a return to a full-time race seat in 2026.
Zhou says his ‘goal’ is to return with Cadillac next season. The American brand are set to become the 11th team on the grid in 2026, with their official entry still yet to be confirmed.
READ MORE: Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu’s life outside F1 from height to net worth
Cadillac will run Ferrari engines for their first few seasons in F1 – giving Zhou a clear path to join the team. The 25-year-old is also important for the sport from a commercial standpoint due to his popularity in his native China.
However, F1’s newcomers have a plethora of drivers available. The likes of Colton Herta, Sergio Perez, Jak Crawford and ex-teammate Bottas have all been linked with the team.
Cadillac could even sign Dino Beganovic – with the Ferrari academy driver recently testing the SF-23 in Barcelona. Zhou will face competition for a 2026 seat, but his experience and commercial value could give him an advantage.
