Ferrari looking for new simulator test driver after Shwartzman exit: the possible replacement
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Ferrari team principal Fréd Vasseur had promised “noise” when discussing the recruitment drive launched by the team in 2023 to strengthen its technical staff after a disappointing start to the season that had left the team in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. Over the past year, the situation has improved in terms of both results and the team's approach and management. In this time, the promises made by the French manager and Ferrari's leadership have been kept. Among other developments, the signing of Lewis Hamilton for 2025, the contract renewal for Charles Leclerc, and the necessary restructuring of the Ferrari Racing Department have all taken place.
Following the arrival of junior figures from other teams, Ferrari's technical department brought in Loic Serra (formerly of Mercedes) as the new technical director, replacing the outgoing Enrico Cardile. Additionally, Jerome D’Ambrosio joined as deputy team principal to handle non-race matters and act as a liaison for Fred Vasseur. This long turnover is reportedly not yet complete, as Ferrari continues to seek a new stability by hiring additional technical staff to strengthen weaker areas (such as composites or simulations), securing key team members, and, if necessary, letting go of individuals who may no longer align with the team's goals or are drawn to new challenges.
In addition to these changes in the technical office, it seems that some shifts are also expected among the drivers. Beyond the highly anticipated arrival of Lewis Hamilton to replace Carlos Sainz, Ferrari's reserve driver lineup is also undergoing changes. Robert Shwartzman, after driving the AF Corse 499P in the 2024 WEC season, is set to compete in the entire IndyCar season with Prema in the U.S. Meanwhile, Oliver Bearman is expected to become a full-time driver for Haas. This leaves a gap alongside confirmed drivers Antonio Giovinazzi, Davide Rigon, and Antonio Fuoco that Ferrari will need to fill.
According to Paolo Ciccarone of “RMC Motori,” it appears that Guanyu Zhou, whose F1 career with Stake-Sauber is soon to end, is likely to join Ferrari at Maranello. Fred Vasseur has been a strong supporter of Guanyu Zhou since their time together at Alfa Romeo.
“Having lost his seat at Sauber, Zhou Guanyu will join Ferrari as a simulator test driver starting next season. Zhou joined Sauber through the backing of Fred Vasseur, who wanted to offer him this new opportunity. The need for an experienced F1 driver in Ferrari's simulator role arises from Robert Shwartzman's commitment to IndyCar and Oliver Bearman's move to Haas, leaving a need for experience alongside Antonio Giovinazzi and Fuoco, who are engaged in the WEC, and Davide Rigon. Wearing the Ferrari uniform is an excellent calling card for Zhou, as China remains an important market for Ferrari.”
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