Zhou Guanyu’s Journey to Ferrari: A Tale of Resilience and Renewal
In a whirlwind of Formula 1 driver changes, Zhou Guanyu has found a new home at Ferrari for the upcoming 2025 season. Stepping into the role of reserve driver alongside the seasoned Antonio Giovinazzi, Zhou bids farewell to his three-year tenure at Sauber, where he made history as the first Chinese race driver in F1.
Zhou’s F1 career was marked by notable milestones, including his debut championship point in Bahrain back in 2022 and a triumphant return to his home country when F1 graced China’s tracks after a five-year absence. Despite facing challenges throughout his time at Sauber, Zhou’s resilience shone through, with a standout performance in Qatar where he secured the team’s only points with an eighth-place finish.
As Sauber undergoes a transformation into Audi for the 2026 season, Zhou found himself at a crossroads, ultimately parting ways with his former team alongside Valtteri Bottas. The Swiss squad opted for a fresh lineup, pairing Nico Hulkenberg with F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto.
Zhou’s connection with Ferrari dates back to his early days in kart racing, when he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2014. Under the Prancing Horse banner, Zhou’s talent flourished, culminating in a second-place finish in the 2015 Italian F4 championship. His journey continued through F3 and Renault’s youth program, paving the way for his entry into F1 with a series of FP1 drives and F2 commitments.
Amidst the shifting landscape of F1, Zhou received offers for reserve roles from various top teams, highlighting the need for reliable backup drivers in an increasingly demanding racing calendar. The importance of reserve drivers was underscored by Oliver Bearman’s standout performances for Haas and Mercedes in the previous season, filling in for injured drivers and securing valuable points for their teams.
As Zhou embarks on his new role at Ferrari, he shares the bench with former F1 driver Giovinazzi, who will continue to represent the Scuderia in the World Endurance Championship. This collaboration positions Zhou as a key player in Ferrari’s future endeavors, especially as the team gears up to supply power units and gearboxes to GM/Cadillac’s F1 venture in 2026.
Looking ahead, Zhou’s stint as a reserve driver at Ferrari not only offers him a chance to showcase his skills but also sets the stage for a potential return to grand prix racing in the seasons to come. With the support of a powerhouse team like Ferrari behind him, Zhou’s journey from Sauber to Ferrari serves as a testament to his perseverance and passion for the sport.
As the F1 grid evolves and teams prioritize depth in their driver lineups, Zhou’s appointment at Ferrari stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of motorsport. In a world where talent and adaptability reign supreme, Zhou’s narrative embodies the spirit of resilience and renewal that defines the heart of Formula 1.
