How financial constraints blocked Fred Vasseur's Ferrari plans for Zhou Guanyu
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Zhou Guanyu Joins Ferrari as Reserve Driver for 2025 After Sauber Exit
Zhou Guanyu will remain within the Formula 1 paddock in 2025, having secured a role as Ferrari's reserve driver following his departure from Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. The Chinese driver was released as part of Sauber's restructuring, despite being the only driver to score points for the struggling team last year. His eighth-place finish in Qatar was a rare highlight for the Hinwil-based squad, while teammate Valtteri Bottas failed to register any points, leaving Sauber at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship.
Both Zhou and Bottas ultimately lost their seats but found new homes within the F1 ecosystem, with Zhou joining Ferrari and Bottas taking on a reserve role at Mercedes. Initially, Zhou was rumored to be in talks with Red Bull, but when the Milton Keynes outfit opted against signing him, Ferrari seized the opportunity to bring the 25-year-old to Maranello. His move to the Scuderia was met with enthusiasm from F1 fans, especially given Lewis Hamilton's past praise for Zhou, describing him as "really great."
As Ferrari's reserve driver, Zhou will focus on simulator work and provide crucial support to the team throughout the 2025 season. He may even get a chance to step into the cockpit should either Hamilton or Charles Leclerc be unable to race. However, Ferrari had initially envisioned a more active role for Zhou beyond his F1 commitments.
Fred Vasseur 's Ambition for Zhou in WEC Blocked by Financial Constraints
Ferrari has a long history of involving its reserve drivers in other racing categories, particularly endurance racing. Antonio Giovinazzi, for instance, has been competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) for Ferrari since 2023. Team principal Fred Vasseur was eager to place Zhou in a similar program, hoping to keep him race-sharp by securing a seat for him in Ferrari's endurance racing efforts.
Fred Vasseur reportedly engaged in discussions with Antonello Coletta, the head of Ferrari's endurance division, to integrate Zhou into the WEC program for 2025. However, financial hurdles prevented the plan from materializing, forcing Zhou to focus exclusively on his duties as Ferrari's F1 reserve driver instead.
Zhou Sets Sights on F1 Comeback with Cadillac in 2026
At just 25, Zhou is far from considering his F1 career over. His goal remains to secure a full-time race seat in 2026, and he has already set his sights on a potential opportunity with Cadillac. The American manufacturer is preparing to enter the grid as the 11th team in 2026, though its official entry is still pending approval. If Cadillac successfully joins the championship, Zhou hopes to be part of their lineup, marking his return to full-time racing at the highest level.
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