Zhou Guanyu reveals Ferrari's interest in signing him for 2025

In the context of Formula 1, Zhou Guanyu, a Chinese driver, is eyeing a reserve role with Ferrari for the 2025 season after being dropped by Sauber. The announcement was made during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where Zhou confirmed that Ferrari is among several teams he is negotiating with. Currently, Ferrari has confirmed its driver lineup for the next year, with Lewis Hamilton set to replace Carlos Sainz, leaving Zhou in search of opportunities that would allow him to remain immersed in the F1 environment. Zhou has faced a challenging season, finishing without any points and contributing to Sauber's position at the bottom of the championship standings. The upcoming races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will mark Zhou's final outings with Sauber, following a three-year stint with the team. As Zhou looks ahead, he emphasizes the importance of weighing all available options before making a commitment to his next project. While he has expressed hope for positive negotiations, he aims to ensure that any future agreement reflects a significant commitment. Previously, he was associated with the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2014 to 2018, indicating a history of ties with the Scuderia, which adds allure to the possibility of a reserve role. With Ollie Bearman, the current reserve driver, set to take a full-time seat at Haas next year, Ferrari is left seeking a new reserve to support its main drivers, and Zhou is positioning himself for this potential role. As Zhou departs Sauber, he is motivated by the desire to maintain his presence in the F1 paddock and prepare for future challenges. His struggles this season have made clarity regarding his career path essential, and he hopes to finalize his next steps in the coming weeks, potentially aligning with a prominent team like Ferrari. This situation highlights both the competitive nature of F1 and the importance of strategic career decisions within the sport, especially for drivers who face uncertain futures. Ultimately, the decisions made in the next few weeks will significantly impact Zhou's future in Formula 1, as he navigates offers from various teams. As lining up a contract for a reserve role can often dictate a driver's trajectory and opportunities, Zhou's situation is emblematic of the precarious nature of sports careers, where only a few options may be available at any given moment.