Outgoing Sauber racer Zhou Guanyu is close to remaining in Formula 1 for 2025 in a reserve role driver role at Ferrari, according to a recent report in the Italian media.
Sauber’s announcement last week that Gabriel Bortoleto will partner Nico Hulkenberg next season confirmed the much-expected news that Zhou will depart the team.
Zhou, who has been with Sauber since 2022, will vacate his seat along with team-mate Valtteri Bottas as the Hinwil-based squad prepares to morph into Audi in 2026.
With the sole remaining position on the 2025 grid coming at the Red Bull-owned RB team, both Zhou and Bottas are resigned to not competing in the series next term.
Zhou, though, has expressed he would be willing to secure a gig as a reserve driver amid his hope that he can return to the roster in 2026 when new regulations arrive.
“At the moment, I think Formula 1 is the priority, and then if that doesn’t come, then we need to keep our eyes open,” Zhou told media including Motorsport Week.
“I’m in a position that if I need to wait a year, I’m willing to do so. But then if I waited more than one or two years, I probably will take my exit from this championship”
Corriere della Sera has reported that Ferrari is “expecting” Zhou to come on board next season to support the team’s race drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Zhou has previous ties to Ferrari
Zhou has ties to Ferrari having been a member of the Italian outfit’s Academy between 2014 and 2018, proceeding to move to Renault prior to his F1 bow with Sauber.
Ferrari will soon have its reserve driver position available as Oliver Bearman, who occupies the role at present, will commence his debut F1 campaign at Haas in 2025.
Zhou reviving his relationship with Ferrari would also see him work under Frederic Vasseur’s leadership once again, the Ferrari boss having granted him his bow in F1.
In the circumstance that he does pen a deal to return to Ferrari, Zhou’s possible track time in an F1 car would be restricted to private filming days or test appearances.
The FIA has doubled the opportunities rookies will receive at F1 race weekends to four in 2025, but Zhou’s 65 race starts and counting means that he won’t be eligible.
Meanwhile, Bottas is also poised to maintain his presence in the F1 paddock as the Finn is speculated to be in line to reunite with Mercedes as a test or reserve driver.
READ MORE – Zhou Guanyu looking to stay in F1 amid Sauber departure
