Maranello, Italy – Zhou Guanyu, noted as the first Chinese driver in Formula 1, has been named one of Ferrari’s reserve drivers for the 2025 racing season.
Zhou, who concluded his tenure with Sauber at the end of the previous season, currently does not hold a competitive race seat for 2025, but he may have the opportunity to step in if either Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton are unable to compete in a race.

At 25 years of age, Zhou debuted in F1 in 2022 with the then-Alfa Romeo team, which has since reverted to its original name, Sauber. Throughout his time in F1, his standout performance was an eighth-place finish, and he garners significant commercial and sponsorships from China. Earlier in his professional journey, he was a part of the Ferrari driver academy.

Zhou expressed his excitement about rejoining the Ferrari team, stating, “It’s a great honor to be one of the reserve drivers that can help really develop the team. It’s amazing to be coming back home to where it all started.”

In addition to Zhou, Antonio Giovinazzi will serve as another reserve driver for Ferrari. Giovinazzi, who last participated in a Formula 1 race in 2021, has been a long-time reserve driver yet hasn’t taken to the track in an official capacity for the team.

Last year, during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, when Carlos Sainz Jr. was unable to race due to appendicitis, the Ferrari team made the decision to elevate Oliver Bearman from Formula 2 instead of utilizing an existing reserve drive.

Bearman showed promise by finishing strong in seventh place on a track that was new to him, which helped him gain momentum and ultimately secure a full-time drive in F1 with Haas for the upcoming 2025 season.