Zhou Guanyu has been appointed as a reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari in the 2025 Formula 1 season, following his departure from Sauber. The 25-year-old Chinese driver, who previously competed with Sauber for three seasons, will share reserve responsibilities with Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi.
Zhou made history as China’s first Formula 1 driver, participating in 68 Grand Prix races and securing 16 championship points, along with recording two fastest laps during his tenure with Sauber. His return to Ferrari marks a homecoming, as he was part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018 before moving to Sauber.
The reserve driver position at Ferrari became available after Oliver Bearman transitioned to a race seat with Haas for the upcoming season. Giovinazzi, who has been associated with Ferrari since 2017, will continue to balance his reserve driver role with his commitments in the World Endurance Championship, where he competes with the Ferrari 499P.
In addition to his role with Ferrari, Zhou has connections to the General Motors-backed Cadillac team, which plans to enter Formula 1 in 2026. The Cadillac team intends to utilize Ferrari engines and gearboxes initially, with plans to develop their own power units in the future.
Zhou’s appointment reflects Ferrari’s strategy to strengthen their driver lineup with experienced and versatile talent as they prepare for the 2025 season.
