Zhou Guanyu optimistic of returning to F1 in 2026

Zhou Guanyu was recently announced as a Ferrari reserve driver, returning to the Italian outfit almost a decade after being part of their academy.

The Chinese driver, alongside Antonio Giovinazzi, will be on stand-by in the event either Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc cannot compete during a race weekend.

Ahead of a season where Ferrari are likely to fight for the Championship, Zhou will play an important role in their development. The 25-year-old is tasked with helping fine-tune the SF-25 – an especially important role in the context of the FIA’s flexi-wing directive.

However, he is still targeting a return to F1 in 2026.

Why Zhou is not giving up on Formula 1

Last year’s driver market was unprecedented, with Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari move kick-starting a series of changes across the field.

Amidst this uncertainty, Zhou – much like teammate Valtteri Bottas – missed out on a 2025 contract.

Sauber, who will become Audi F1 when the new regulations arrive, opted for a brand-new driver combination to move them forward. This left Zhou without a full-time seat.

Thankfully for the 25-year-old, he still received plenty of interest from teams who wanted him as a reserve driver.

His new role at Ferrari, who were among other big names negotiating with Zhou, allows him to stay active in the paddock and try to capitalise on any options.

Looking beyond this year, Zhou is hopeful about a 2026 comeback:

“I’ll just make sure I’ll be ready if an opportunity comes,” he said at the end of last season.

“If you can take that opportunity and do well, you can make a comeback. If you can’t, then you’re out. I will just try to be ready.

“I feel like the chances are still very high – and another team joined [Cadillac/General Motors], which opens two more spaces.

“The moment I announced my departure, a lot of teams in other series came to me wanting them to drive for them.”