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Ferrari Confirms Zhou Guanyu Will Not Return as 2026 Reserve Driver

The decision leaves the Chinese racer without a confirmed 2026 role following Cadillac’s choice of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

Overview

  • Ferrari announced Zhou’s departure via social posts that thanked him for his 2025 service and shared a highlights video, and Zhou posted his own message of thanks.
  • Zhou shared reserve duties with Antonio Giovinazzi in 2025, and reports indicated Giovinazzi was the preferred stand-in when available, raising potential cover questions on WEC-clash weekends.
  • The 26-year-old previously raced three seasons for Sauber and exited after a difficult 2024 campaign in which he scored four points.
  • Zhou had targeted a 2026 return to a race seat, particularly with the new Cadillac entry, but the team selected Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez despite Graeme Lowdon’s ties to Zhou’s management.
  • Zhou has not announced his next move, and speculation about a possible role with Cadillac remains unconfirmed.