INTERVIEW:
Zhou Guanyu
HIS FERRARI REUNION, WORKING WITH HAMILTON AND HOW HE'S FIGHTING FOR AN F1® COMEBACK
Ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai native Zhou Guanyu sat down exclusively with F1.com's Mike Seymour to discuss life at Maranello, his hopes of getting back on the grid, and more…
A new chapter in red
In February, Zhou Guanyu was announced as one of Ferrari's two reserve drivers to support regular racers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
The move back to Ferrari marks a full circle moment for the 25-year-old, who was part of the Italian manufacturer’s dedicated Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018 – a period in which he climbed the Formula 4 and Formula 3 ranks – before graduating to Formula 2 with Alpine backing.
While naturally disappointed not to embark on a fourth F1 term with Kick Sauber for 2025, of all the options subsequently available to him over the winter, it is clear that Zhou feels happy about the deal he has signed.
"I’m really happy that I’m here now, back to where I started all my junior single-seater racing, and also my Academy days. It’s been great to see a lot of familiar faces!"
“For me, it’s a great pleasure to join one of the most iconic teams ever in the paddock. It’s a different role this year, being a reserve, but I can still improve and keep the learning curve going."
ZHOU GUANYU
On joining Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season
Recovering from a "draining" season
After an early highlight in 2024 with his first home Grand Prix outing in China, which involved a gutsy Sprint display, he spent many weekends toward the back of the field alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas – the pair unable to make an impression aboard the disappointing C44.
It was not until the penultimate round in Qatar – aided by some much-needed updates – that a determined Zhou dragged his car to eighth position and scored Sauber’s only points of the season, at which point it was too late to save his seat
“Like I always said, when there wasn’t a seat available on the grid, my priority was trying to find somewhere I’m happy, where I can put myself into an important role as well. There’s no better place than joining Ferrari."
I’m happy that I can take a year ‘off’, mainly from the year I had in 2024, because it was draining inside and out... I want to use this year to really settle everything in the right place, also to have myself mentally in the best shape possible... I’m making sure that I’m in a happy place."
Learning from Leclerc and Hamilton
Zhou is looking forward to working closely with a multiple Grand Prix winner in Leclerc and a seven-time World Champion in Hamilton as the campaign progresses, as he is well placed to stand in for either should it be required.
“It’s very interesting with two drivers, because one has been here for a long time and the other one is coming from a different team where everything is completely different. It’s good for me, and there’s a lot of information I’m gathering."
Amid so much hype over Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, Zhou stresses: “Even though he’s been a World Champion for so many years, he still wants to improve himself, which for me as a younger driver, I really felt that this is the way to go – also for myself in the future, if I can come back."
Zhou’s hunger to race again
Another important question needs to be asked. What are Zhou’s chances of making a full-scale F1 comeback in the future?
One standout project is the all-new Cadillac Formula 1 Team, who are backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors and recently received final approval to join F1 from 2026 – expanding the grid to 22 cars.
Zhou knows very well the man at the helm, Graeme Lowdon, having been managed by the former Virgin Racing and Marussia F1 Team chief throughout his time in the sport – and is one of several names already being linked to a drive.
“I do have the hunger to step back in a race seat, a full-time F1 drive,” he states, without referencing any talks or possibilities. “In terms of the long-term goal, this is very clear and very straightforward.
“But I do think that while you have years like this, [it helps] to be settled down, and still it’s a very important role. It’s not like being a reserve driver that I feel like I’ve been left [out]. I feel like I have a very [big] responsibility with the team.
“Right now, I’m just excited to get the season started with my new role here at Ferrari. Who knows what the future will be? Let’s see…"
To read the full interview, head to Formula1.com
