Ferrari part ways with reserve driver Zhou Guanyu after one season
The world of Formula 1 is always filled with excitement and unexpected twists, and the latest news from Ferrari is no exception. The Italian team has officially announced that they have parted ways with their reserve driver, Zhou Guanyu, ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season. This move leaves Guanyu without a race seat for the upcoming season, and it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds from here.
Zhou Guanyu joined Ferrari as a reserve driver in 2025, sharing the role with Antonio Giovinazzi. Prior to that, he was also a part of the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy from 2014 to 2018. During his time at the academy, Guanyu gained valuable experience and developed his skills as a driver, which ultimately led to him being appointed as a reserve driver for the team.
Ferrari has expressed their gratitude towards Guanyu for his commitment and contribution to the team during his tenure as a reserve driver. The team’s statement highlights the importance of Guanyu’s role in supporting the team’s drivers and providing valuable feedback and insights.
The decision to part ways with Guanyu may come as a surprise to some, given his impressive background and experience. However, the world of Formula 1 is highly competitive, and teams are constantly evaluating their lineups and making adjustments to stay ahead of the competition.
For Guanyu, this move means that he will not have a race seat for the 2026 Formula 1 season. While this may be a setback for the young driver, it is not the end of the road for him. He has already demonstrated his skills and potential, and it is likely that he will be considered by other teams for future opportunities.
In fact, Guanyu’s experience as a reserve driver for Ferrari will likely be an attractive asset to other teams. His knowledge of the team’s operations, as well as his familiarity with the car and its systems, will make him a strong candidate for other teams looking to fill their own reserve driver roles or even secure a race seat.
As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, fans will be eager to see how the driver lineup unfolds. With Guanyu no longer part of Ferrari’s lineup, there will be speculation about who will fill the vacant reserve driver role. Will it be another up-and-coming driver, or will Ferrari opt for a more experienced driver to support their team?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the world of Formula 1 is always full of surprises, and the departure of Zhou Guanyu from Ferrari is just the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the sport.
In conclusion, Ferrari’s decision to part ways with Zhou Guanyu may be a setback for the young driver, but it is not the end of the road for him. With his experience and skills, he will likely be considered by other teams for future opportunities. As the 2026 Formula 1 season approaches, fans will be eager to see how the driver lineup unfolds, and Guanyu’s next move will be closely watched by the racing community.
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