Zhou Guanyu Announces Departure from Kick Sauber, Seeks Reserve Role in Formula 1

Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1, announced that his departure from the Kick Sauber team comes at «the right time,» as he looks to secure a reserve driver role with another team. Kick Sauber recently revealed that Formula 2 points leader Gabriel Bortoleto will join the team in 2025, ending months of speculation about the team’s lineup.

This decision leaves Zhou without a position on the grid, prompting him to explore opportunities to remain connected to the sport. «Of course, as much as I would have liked to and wanted to stay for next season, I also feel like it’s the right time after the tough races we’ve had this year and to start, let’s say, a new chapter,» Zhou stated ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Zhou is actively engaging in discussions about securing a reserve driver role. «The absolute priority is to try and stay in Formula 1 and see what the best options are,» Zhou explained. He mentioned that there is interest from multiple teams but emphasized that no decisions are imminent. «Hopefully, I’ll get some good news soon, but it won’t be very shortly,» Zhou said.

Zhou reflected on his season with Kick Sauber, describing it as frustrating after his best finish of 11th at the opening event in Bahrain. Nevertheless, he has positive memories from his three-year tenure, including his debut and his second-year performance qualifying P5 in Budapest.

«My debut – I still remember that day, it was very special,» Zhou recalled. He also highlighted the home race as a special moment, emphasizing the significance of motorsport’s growth in China.

Meanwhile, there are reports that esteemed racing teams, including Ferrari, are evaluating potential reserve roles for Zhou. Corriere della Serra suggests that Zhou’s commercial appeal in China could make him an asset to Ferrari, although this view is not unanimously shared across all media. «There are 10 times better drivers,» stated Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel, questioning Zhou’s potential contribution to Ferrari’s on-track success.

Despite conflicting reports, with some suggesting that Ferrari has finalized Antonio Giovinazzi as their reserve driver, Zhou’s future in Formula 1 remains a topic of interest. «There is no evidence that Ferrari has evaluated Zhou Guanyu,» Autoracer claimed, though they acknowledged that a third name might be considered if additional commitments arise.