The year 2025 is here and there is still no news for Chinese driver Guanyu Zhou.
Not retained by Sauber and Audi F1 for the future, Zhou had made it clear that a position as a reserve driver in a team would suit him perfectly for this season, even admitting a certain “relief” about taking a break.
Zhou has been linked in recent months with a reserve role at Ferrari, reconnecting with the team that trained him as a junior. But there is still no news on this side.
For the Chinese, it is important to choose a team that will allow him to stay active behind the wheel as well.
“I think the priority is to be able to test a two-year-old F1 car, to do tests for Pirelli, for example. It’s not a question of absolutely wanting to test Pirelli tires for me. But it’s important to just pilot. I think there is definitely potential to find such an agreement with a team.
If Ferrari is indeed thinking of Zhou, it would necessarily be for a limited period because there is no prospect of a seat for him. The new Cadillac F1 team which will arrive on the grid is in its sights. But preferably in 2026, at the latest 2027, Zhou wants to be back on a starting grid.
“I think two years is probably the maximum time frame. It’s not set, but I think it’s something that I think is possible. If it’s not within those two years, then things will certainly be a little less promising, so I think it’s not a bad idea to be on the sidelines this year, even considering the number of new drivers.
“I think I can put myself in a good position to wait for a chance. I hope it comes sooner rather than later, and I’m definitely going to try to do absolutely everything I can to make that happen.”
