Zhou Guanyu’s Formula 1 journey might have hit a temporary pause, but the Chinese driver is far from sidelined. After three challenging seasons with Sauber, Zhou is now in talks with several teams for 2025—and Ferrari seems to be leading the pack. The Scuderia is reportedly “really interested” in securing Zhou as a Reserve Driver, a move that could set the stage for a significant career revival.
A Tough Goodbye to Sauber
Zhou’s tenure with Sauber culminated in 2024, his toughest season yet. Despite the team’s struggles, he managed to deliver their sole points of the season with a P8 finish at the Qatar Grand Prix. However, the writing was on the wall when Sauber announced Gabriel Bortoleto would replace Zhou for 2025, leaving Zhou without a full-time seat.
Reflecting on his future, Zhou revealed:
“We’re talking to several teams and, of course, Ferrari remains one of the teams really interested in me. From my side, I don’t want to commit to the future just yet because I want to make sure everything is set down and is clear, and have a massive commitment to the next project.”
Why Ferrari Makes Sense
Ferrari’s interest in Zhou aligns with their need to rebuild their Reserve Driver roster. With Oliver Bearman graduating to Haas and Robert Schwartzman shifting to Prema’s IndyCar project, Ferrari has two key vacancies to fill. Zhou, a former member of Ferrari’s Driver Academy (2014-2018), offers familiarity and experience that could make him an ideal fit.
Moreover, his ties to Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur, who brought Zhou into Sauber in 2022, further strengthen his case. For Zhou, a role with Ferrari extends beyond a mere reserve position—it opens doors to competing in the Scuderia’s Hypercar project and potentially positions him for a return to the F1 grid.
The Cadillac Connection
Zhou’s long-term prospects could also benefit from Ferrari’s burgeoning relationship with Cadillac. Managed by Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, Zhou’s links to the American manufacturer align with Ferrari’s recent deal to supply engines to Cadillac in 2026 and 2027. A Reserve Driver stint with Ferrari in 2025 might put Zhou in pole position for a full-time seat with Cadillac’s F1 program.
Zhou’s Next Move: Decision Imminent
Zhou has emphasized the importance of making the right choice:
“Hopefully something will be happening and decided soon. I think somewhere around the next few weeks I will have a clear idea.”
Ferrari, for its part, has remained tight-lipped about Zhou’s potential signing. However, given the strategic advantages of bringing Zhou into their fold, it seems like a logical step for both parties. Zhou’s return to Ferrari would not only provide the Scuderia with a capable Reserve Driver but also position him as a key player in their future collaborations with Cadillac.
What’s at Stake?
For Zhou, this isn’t just a career lifeline—it’s an opportunity to rewrite his narrative in motorsport. A stint with Ferrari, coupled with potential Hypercar and Cadillac prospects, could pave the way for his full-time F1 comeback. For Ferrari, Zhou offers a blend of experience, marketability in the growing Chinese motorsport landscape, and a potential bridge to future endeavors with Cadillac.
As Zhou’s future takes shape, the next few weeks could mark a pivotal chapter in his racing career. Will the Chinese driver don the iconic Ferrari red once more? If so, it might just be the beginning of a thrilling second act. Stay tuned—because Zhou’s story is far from over.
