The new year was only two days old when Formula 1 was already in a state of chaos. Shortly after the turn of the year, Ferrari announced out of nowhere that it was separating from a driver. But Scuderia fans can breathe a sigh of relief immediately: Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc are not affected.
Rather, it’s about Guanyu Zhou, who was available to Ferrari as a test and reserve driver last season. But after leaving Sauber, he is now also being thrown out at Ferrari. Was that finally the end of his Formula 1 dream?
Formula 1: Separation after one season
The liaison between Ferrari and the Chinese lasted just one season. Even if he didn’t have to step in as a substitute driver for a sick Hamilton or Leclerc in a race, Zhou made his contribution in the background, for example through simulator work. Ferrari signed him at the beginning of 2025 after Zhou’s contract with Sauber had expired and the racing team had reorganized itself.
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However, after just one year, this collaboration ends again. “Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari substitute driver this season! We wish him all the best for the future,” wrote the Scuderia on “X”. “Thank you! All the best and see you soon,” the 26-year-old driver replied. But will there even be a “soon”?
Will Zhou get another chance?
Zhou’s mission with his involvement with Ferrari was clear: to remain active in the Formula 1 orbit, perhaps also to make new contacts and force a return to the F1 cockpit. The greatest opportunities would have been at Cadillac, but the new racing team ultimately relied on pure experience and signed Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.
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Since all cockpits have already been taken, a return to the premier class as a regular driver in 2026 is out of the question. But even beyond that, things are likely to be difficult. Once out, only a few drivers find their way back into Formula 1. An experience that Mick Schumacher also had to go through. The Chinese has not yet announced what Zhou’s plans for the near future will be.
