Ferrari Cut Ties With Zhou Guanyu As 2026 F1 Hopes Fade

In a move signaling a potential shift in Formula 1 aspirations, Ferrari has announced the departure of Zhou Guanyu from its roster ahead of the 2026 season. The announcement, made via the team's social media channels, marks the end of Zhou's tenure as a reserve driver for the Maranello-based team.

Zhou Guanyu, the first and so far only Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1, initially joined Ferrari as a member of their Driver Academy in 2014. After a stint with other teams, including a three-year run with Sauber (formerly Alfa Romeo) from 2022-2024, he returned to Ferrari in 2025 as a reserve driver, sharing duties with Antonio Giovinazzi.

Ferrari acknowledged Zhou's contributions in their announcement, expressing gratitude for his commitment during the 2025 season and wishing him well in his future endeavors. The departure is seen as part of Ferrari's broader internal reorganization, aimed at optimizing resources and redefining roles within the team as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.

Zhou had openly expressed his desire to secure a full-time F1 seat for the 2026 season, with the new Cadillac F1 team being a potential target. However, Cadillac's decision to sign Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez has seemingly closed that door. With limited opportunities on the horizon, Zhou's chances of returning to the F1 grid in 2026 appear to be diminishing.

Despite the setback, Zhou's experience in F1 and simulator work makes him an attractive prospect for other teams. While his next career move remains unconfirmed, possibilities include exploring opportunities with other F1 teams or venturing into different racing series. Zhou himself stated his intention to remain within the F1 paddock, believing that opportunities may arise. He has also mentioned offers from other racing series but is prioritizing a return to F1. Zhou previously stated he wouldn't wait more than two years for an F1 opportunity.

Zhou's career has been marked by significant milestones. He began karting at age eight and moved to Europe to compete internationally. After joining the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2014, he progressed through various junior series, finishing second in the 2015 Italian F4 Championship. He later joined the Renault (now Alpine) Academy before making his Formula 1 debut with Alfa Romeo in 2022, becoming the first Chinese driver to race in F1.

Ferrari's decision to part ways with Zhou also coincides with the departure of another member of their Driver Academy, Aurelia Nobels. Nobels competed in F1 Academy for the past two seasons. These changes reflect Ferrari's strategic adjustments as they gear up for the 2026 season and beyond.