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 function of reserve driver for the 2025 season, becoming a member of Antonio Giovinazzi in supporting the crew’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 function following a three-year tenure at Sauber, throughout which he collected 16 profession factors. His F1 journey started with a formidable 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 to date 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 have a good time 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 a substitute, he has opted for a brand new chapter with Ferrari. The announcement was made through 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, notably 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 desperate to see him stay concerned within the sport on account of his robust 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 equivalent 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 crimson colours, which additionally match the Chinese language nationwide flag. One fan identified, “ZHOU BACK IN RED!” whereas one other added, “That’s nice information, effectively accomplished Zhou!”
May 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 an important function in Ferrari’s simulator program, serving to refine automotive efficiency over race weekends. Nonetheless, ought to Ferrari want an alternative to considered one of their most important drivers, Bearman could possibly be the primary in line, given his spectacular stand-in efficiency for Carlos Sainz on the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Another path for Zhou might emerge by Ferrari’s technical partnership with Haas. The American crew at present 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 could possibly be potential candidates to step in for Haas somewhat than Ferrari.
For now, Zhou’s precedence can 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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