Zhou Guanyu Joins Ferrari as Reserve Driver for 2025 – Followers React to the Shock Announcement
Ferrari has formally confirmed that Zhou Guanyu will tackle the position of reserve driver for the 2025 season, becoming a member of Antonio Giovinazzi in supporting the group’s efforts behind the scenes. The transfer marks a return to acquainted territory for Zhou, who was beforehand a part of Ferrari’s Driver Academy earlier than making his System 1 debut.
The Chinese language driver steps into this new position following a three-year tenure at Sauber, throughout which he gathered 16 profession factors. His F1 journey started with a powerful debut on the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, the place he secured his first-ever championship level. One of many highlights of his time within the sport up to now got here in 2024 when he lastly had the chance to race in entrance of a house crowd on the Chinese language Grand Prix, receiving an enthusiastic welcome from followers who packed the grandstands to rejoice the event.
Zhou had been weighing his choices after confirming late within the season that he wouldn’t be persevering with with Sauber past 2024. Hypothesis linked him to a possible return to Alpine, however as an alternative, he has opted for a brand new chapter with Ferrari. The announcement was made by way of the Scuderia’s official social media channels, sparking a right away and overwhelmingly unified response from F1 followers.
F1 Followers Share Their Pleasure Over Zhou’s Ferrari Return
Because the first-ever Chinese language driver in System 1 and a trailblazer for motorsport in his nation, Zhou has constructed a loyal following, significantly in Asia. His reputation extends past his racing expertise, with followers appreciating his trendy off-track persona and distinctive vogue sense. Moreover, Liberty Media, the homeowners of F1, have been desirous to see him stay concerned within the sport on account of his sturdy market attraction in China.
The response to his Ferrari announcement was swift and passionate, with followers flooding social media with celebratory messages. One enthusiastic supporter exclaimed, “THINGS WE LOVE TO SEE,” whereas one other, caught off guard by the sudden transfer, remarked, “That was not on my 2025 bingo card!”
Many have been merely relieved that Zhou would stay a part of the F1 world, with feedback akin to “Good to nonetheless see him on the sport” and “SO SO HAPPY!!!” echoing all through the dialogue. Others drew consideration to the symbolic nature of his return to Ferrari’s purple colours, which additionally match the Chinese language nationwide flag. One fan identified, “ZHOU BACK IN RED!” whereas one other added, “That’s nice information, nicely completed Zhou!”
Might Zhou Get a Future F1 Race Seat with Ferrari?
Whereas Zhou’s new place ensures he’ll stay energetic in System 1, it’s unclear if he’ll get the chance to race once more. Ferrari already has a powerful pool of reserve drivers, together with Antonio Giovinazzi and rising star Oliver Bearman, creating competitors for any potential stand-in alternatives.
Past serving as a backup driver, Zhou will play a vital position in Ferrari’s simulator program, serving to refine automotive efficiency over race weekends. Nevertheless, ought to Ferrari want an alternative choice to one in every of their predominant drivers, Bearman may very well be the primary in line, given his spectacular stand-in efficiency for Carlos Sainz on the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
An alternate path for Zhou might emerge by way of Ferrari’s technical partnership with Haas. The American group at the moment doesn’t have an formally named reserve driver for 2025, having beforehand relied on Pietro Fittipaldi for backup duties. If a emptiness arises, Zhou or Giovinazzi may very well be potential candidates to step in for Haas quite than Ferrari.
For now, Zhou’s precedence will likely be integrating himself into the Maranello-based squad and contributing to their success from behind the scenes. Whereas his future as a full-time F1 driver stays unsure, his presence inside Ferrari ensures he’ll stay a key determine within the paddock for the foreseeable future.
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