Zhou joins Ferrari as reserve driver

In 2025, China’s Zhou Guanyu will be one of two reserve drivers for Ferrari.

The 25-year-old, who was dropped by Sauber at the end of last season after three years with the Swiss team, joins Italian Antonio Giovinazzi.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be supported by Zhou, who was a member of the Ferrari driver academy from 2015 to 2018.

Reserve drivers typically perform tyre testing, tyre testing, and other tasks that are required of them to assist the race team, including during race weekends as teams work to perfect their car setup.

This week, though, Ferrari are using Hamilton and Leclerc to conduct a tyre test for Pirelli on 4 and 5 February at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. McLaren are also at the test, with Lando Norris driving on Tuesday.

After colliding with his team during a test in the 2023 car last week, Hamilton now has another opportunity to get familiar with his new team.

Following the introduction of new engine and chassis regulations the following year, both teams are working with Pirelli to develop its 2026 tyres, and Ferrari are using a 2024 car modified to simulate expected performance levels.

On Tuesday, Hamilton competed 87 laps, Leclerc 86 and Norris, in a modified 2023 car, 159. Norris was fastest, followed by Hamilton and Leclerc. Because the drivers were working on various projects, the lead times are irrelevant.

In the team’s 68 grands prix, Zhou scored 16 points.