Ferrari has officially parted ways with the Chinese driver, Zhou Guanyu, confirming he won’t continue as their reserve driver into the 2026 season. After a solid stint in 2025 supporting the team alongside Antonio Giovinazzi, Zhou’s time in Maranello comes to an end, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the 26-year-old talent.
Zhou Guanyu’s Reserve Driver Journey
Zhou Guanyu joined Ferrari’s reserve lineup in 2025 following his exit from Sauber at the end of 2024. He had been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2014 to 2018, building a strong connection with the Scuderia.
This role kept him firmly in the F1 paddock, where he handled simulator duties and testing responsibilities with dedication. Ferrari acknowledged his efforts in a simple social media post: “Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! Wishing him all the best ahead.”
The move wasn’t entirely unexpected. Zhou openly shared his ambitions early in 2025, telling F1.com that he hungered for a full-time race seat. His eyes were on Cadillac’s new F1 entry debuting in 2026 as the grid’s 11th team. “I do have the hunger to step back in a race seat, a full-time F1 drive,” he said.
Staying visible as a reserve was meant to pave the way, but Cadillac chose Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas instead, Perez from Red Bull and Bottas, Zhou’s old Sauber teammate. That decision slammed the door on his immediate comeback hopes.
Ferrari 2026 Driver Lineup
This parting raises questions about Ferrari’s 2026 driver lineup plans. With Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc locked in as race drivers, the reserve spots need fresh faces. Antonio Giovinazzi remains a likely holdover, but Ferrari has stayed tight-lipped on replacements. Zhou’s exit also highlights the cutthroat nature of the driver market, especially with grid expansion adding pressure on every seat.
For Zhou Guanyu, the road ahead looks uncertain. He made history as China’s first full-time F1 driver in 2022 with Alfa Romeo (Sauber), scoring points in his debut at Silverstone amid chaos. Despite solid qualifying showings, results didn’t always follow, and sponsorship dynamics, tied to his home market, played a role in his movements.
Now jobless for 2026, options could include other reserve roles, endurance racing, or even a step back to Formula 2. Ralf Schumacher had noted that US-China relations might complicate Cadillac’s interest, and that prediction held true.
Ferrari’s decision signals a strategic shift as they gear up for the new regs era. Zhou leaves with professionalism intact, but this chapter closes on a bittersweet note. Will we see him back on the grid? Only time and a bit of luck will tell. Stay tuned as the silly season heats up ahead of 2026 testing.
