Having missed out on a full-time contract, Zhou Guanyu is searching for a path to stay in the F1 paddock. According to the latest reports, Zhou is close to becoming Ferrari’s reserve driver.
Zhou Guanyu makes his priorities clear
Although the end of Zhou’s Sauber spell was confirmed by Gabriel Bortoleto’s announcement, the consensus for months was that his days at Hinwil were numbered.
Bottas and Bortoleto were always the leading contenders to sign a 2025 Sauber contract.
In this context, Zhou has been exploring alternatives for some time. As the 25-year-old explained earlier this year, staying active in the F1 paddock is his priority:
“At the moment, I don’t want to be in other series yet,” he explained in Monza.
“Because I feel like I’m still in a period that if I can stay in F1, or make a comeback if I don’t have a seat.
“There will still be chances to show what I’ve got.”
Talks ongoing for Ferrari reserve role
It is common for drivers who lose their seats to become reserve or third drivers. Zhou’s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, is expected to reunite with Mercedes in this role.
Similarly, Zhou Guanyu is understood to be negotiating with Ferrari to become their reserve driver from 2025.
A new report from Corriere.it reveals that Fred Vasseur’s team could welcome the Chinese driver into their ranks next season.
Considering that it was Fred Vasseur who signed Zhou to Sauber in 2022, there is already a strong platform for negotiations.
Even as securing a Sauber contract extension became increasingly unlikely, Zhou was confident that other options were at his disposal.
In this sense, it is not a complete surprise there is clear path forward has been established.
Becoming a Ferrari driver is an attractive alternative, especially in a role where the 25-year-old can contribute to simulator and development work.
Though nothing is confirmed at this stage, talks between Zhou Guanyu and the Scuderia are worth following in the coming weeks and months.
