Ferrari appointed Zhou Guanyu as a Formula One reserve driver on Wednesday after the Chinese lost his race seat with Swiss-based Sauber.
The 25-year-old, previously a member of the Ferrari Academy, will share the role with Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who also has World Endurance Championship commitments for the Italian manufacturer.
China's first F1 driver raced for three seasons with Sauber, starting 68 grands prix and scoring 16 points with two fastest laps.
Back to where it all started 👊 pic.twitter.com/2p1DI4ius5
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 5, 2025
A reserve seat opened up at Ferrari after Britain's Oliver Bearman, who competed in three races last year as a stand-in, moved to Ferrari-powered Haas.
Zhou also has links to the new General Motors-backed Cadillac team planning to enter Formula One in 2026.
Graeme Lowdon, who has been involved in Zhou's management, is principal of that team and they will use Ferrari engines and gearboxes until General Motors can provide their own.
Welcoming Zhou Guanyu back to the Ferrari family as he joins Antonio Giovinazzi as our official reserve driver! Zhou spent four years with the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018, and will split reserve driver duties with Antonio for the 2025 season pic.twitter.com/54OLL5uJm7
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 5, 2025