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Ferrari Confirm Zhou Guanyu Exit Ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Season
Ferrari have officially confirmed that Zhou Guanyu will no longer continue in his role as the team’s reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season, bringing an end to the Chinese driver’s brief stint with the Scuderia.
The announcement follows a period of transition at Ferrari, highlighted by the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, whose move to Maranello became official at the start of the 2025 season. Alongside Hamilton and long-term Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, Zhou had completed the team’s driver line-up for the year after joining from Sauber.
Zhou made the switch to Ferrari after parting ways with the Hinwil-based outfit at the conclusion of the 2024 campaign. The 26-year-old had competed in Formula 1 with Sauber for three full seasons but endured a difficult final year with the team. During the 2024 season, Zhou struggled to make an impact, scoring just four championship points across 24 race weekends. That underwhelming performance ultimately led to Sauber opting not to retain him for the following year.
Ferrari subsequently brought Zhou on board as a reserve driver for 2025, valuing his experience and technical feedback. In that role, Zhou served as a backup option in case Hamilton or Leclerc were unable to compete at any race weekend, while also playing a key part in simulator work at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters. He contributed to the development of the SF-25, providing data analysis and feedback to support the team’s on-track performance.
Despite his contributions behind the scenes, Ferrari have now decided to move in a different direction for 2026. The team confirmed Zhou’s departure through a pair of social media posts, with the initial statement expressing gratitude for his efforts during the season.
“Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season,” the team wrote. “Wishing him all the best ahead.”
While Ferrari have yet to announce who will replace Zhou in the reserve role, reports suggest the team is already assessing potential candidates internally and externally. Ferrari have been contacted for clarification on their plans, but no further details have been made public at this stage.
Zhou also responded to the announcement, taking to his Instagram story to thank Ferrari for the opportunity. “Really appreciated all the trust throughout the season,” he wrote. “See you guys around in 2026.”
At present, Zhou’s future in motorsport remains uncertain. It is unclear whether he will aim to remain within the Formula 1 paddock in a reserve or development capacity, or whether he will explore opportunities in other racing categories such as endurance racing, Formula E, or sports car championships. Having previously competed at the highest level of single-seater racing, Zhou still possesses experience that could be attractive to teams across multiple series.
Zhou’s departure marks another step in Ferrari’s wider preparations for the 2026 season, which will usher in a major technical regulation overhaul in Formula 1. Teams are already positioning themselves strategically ahead of the changes, with driver line-ups and technical staff coming under close scrutiny.
For Ferrari, the focus remains on maximizing the Hamilton–Leclerc partnership while ensuring sufficient depth within their driver programme. The reserve driver role is considered increasingly important in modern Formula 1, particularly with the demands of simulator development, testing restrictions, and the physical toll of an extended race calendar.
Although Zhou’s time with Ferrari was relatively short and largely behind the scenes, his exit closes an important chapter in his Formula 1 journey. From becoming China’s first full-time F1 race driver to working with one of the sport’s most iconic teams, Zhou’s career has already broken significant ground.
As Ferrari prepare to announce their next reserve driver in the coming months, attention will also turn to Zhou’s next move, with fans and paddock insiders alike waiting to see where the talented Chinese racer resurfaces next.
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