Ferrari announce F1 driver RETURN as Ricciardo switch verdict unveiled… read more
In a surprise move, Ferrari has announced a significant addition to their driver lineup for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The team has confirmed that former Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu will join their ranks as a reserve driver, alongside Antonio Giovinazzi.
This development comes as a welcome boost for Zhou, who found himself without a full-time race seat at the end of the 2024 season. Despite his efforts, Sauber opted to drop both him and Valtteri Bottas in favor of a brand-new lineup. However, Zhou’s experience and skills have not gone unnoticed, and he has now been given a lifeline by Ferrari.
Zhou’s return to Ferrari is a significant one, as he previously spent four seasons with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018. During his time with the academy, Zhou gained valuable experience and developed his skills, which ultimately led to his promotion to a full-time Formula 1 seat with Sauber.
Ferrari’s decision to sign Zhou as a reserve driver is a strategic one, as it provides the team with a talented and experienced driver who can step in and perform at a moment’s notice. Zhou will share his reserve driver duties with Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been an integral part of Ferrari’s team since 2017.
Giovinazzi has also been confirmed to continue racing in the World Endurance Championship, where he will drive the number 51 Ferrari 499P. This car has already proven its worth, having won the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours with Giovinazzi at the wheel.
Ferrari’s announcement has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, as it was widely expected that the team would stick with their existing driver lineup. However, the addition of Zhou as a reserve driver provides the team with a valuable safety net and adds depth to their driver lineup.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is busy preparing for his debut season with Ferrari, having replaced Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc. Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has generated significant excitement, and the team is eager to see what the seven-time champion can achieve in red.
Sainz, who was dropped by Ferrari in favor of Hamilton, achieved two impressive race wins with the team last season. His victory at the Australian Grand Prix was particularly notable, as he took the top spot on the podium just two weeks after undergoing appendicitis surgery.
Despite his efforts, Sainz was ultimately unable to secure a spot at Ferrari for the 2025 season. However, his experience and skills have not gone unnoticed, and he is widely expected to secure a drive with another team in the near future.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s announcement that Zhou Guanyu will join their team as a reserve driver has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. This move provides the team with a valuable safety net and adds depth to their driver lineup. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton is busy preparing for his debut season with Ferrari, and the team is eager to see what the seven-time champion can achieve in red. With the 2025 Formula 1 season just around the corner, Ferrari is clearly focused on securing success and adding to their impressive trophy cabinet.
