In a surprising twist, Zhou Guanyu is reportedly rumored to be shifting gears to Ferrari after parting ways with Sauber. The 25-year-old driver is expected to become Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2025, positioning him behind Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the team’s lineup. This is according to reports from Corriere della Sera.
This move would mark a fresh start for Zhou after a three-year stint with Sauber, where he debuted in Formula 1 in 2022. Ferrari’s reserve seat became available following a series of reshuffles: Oliver Bearman joined Haas to fill Kevin Magnussen’s seat, and Robert Shwartzman pivoted to IndyCar, leaving no backup for the iconic Prancing Horse on F1 weekends.
Why Ferrari Could Choose Zhou
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, who originally recruited Zhou during his Alfa Romeo days, remains an admirer of the Shanghai-born driver. With Vasseur’s endorsement, Zhou seems poised to step into a critical role at Ferrari.
Ferrari’s development pool currently includes Arthur Leclerc, younger brother of star driver Charles Leclerc. However, Arthur’s lack of experience in F1 makes Zhou’s arrival a logical choice for the team.
Sauber’s Next Chapter
Zhou’s exit from Sauber comes as the team prepares for its transformation into an Audi works team ahead of the 2026 regulations. Sauber has already announced 21-year-old Brazilian talent Gabriel Bortoleto as Zhou’s replacement for 2025, partnering with veteran Nico Hülkenberg.
Reflecting on his journey, Zhou shared his gratitude:
“I will leave the team at the end of the season, but I am fully committed to finishing the season in style. I am grateful to the team for giving me a chance in Formula One: this is not an easy sport for rookies, but the team has allowed me to grow so much over these three years.”
What’s Next for Zhou?
While Zhou’s season hasn’t yielded points yet—placing him in the same boat as Valtteri Bottas and Logan Sargeant—he remains determined to close 2025 on a high note. With races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi remaining, there’s still an opportunity for him to leave a final mark before embarking on his Ferrari chapter.
For Ferrari, Zhou’s appointment signals a calculated move to bolster their roster with a driver who brings both experience and a connection to Vasseur’s management style. And for Zhou, it’s a chance to keep his F1 journey alive while learning from some of the best drivers on the grid.
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