P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he received approaches from numerous F1 teams prior to agreeing a deal to become a Ferrari reserve driver for the 2025 season.
After losing his permanent race drive with Sauber, Zhou has reunited with Ferrari to serve in a reserve role shared with Antonio Giovinazzi, with whom he was previously linked during his time in Ferrari’s driver academy from 2014 to 2018. Sauber’s signing of Nico Hulkenberg in April led to Zhou or ex-teammate Valtteri Bottas being released, with the team ultimately choosing to drop both to bring in Formula 2 champion Gabriel Bortolero, completing a revamped lineup. Zhou remains hopeful of a return to the grid under new regulations in 2026 and has engaged in discussions with the potential new F1 team, Cadillac, set to enter the sport as an 11th team next season with a Ferrari powertrain. Several other teams have expressed interest in Zhou for a potential 2025 role, including Ferrari, as he navigates his options carefully to ensure he selects the right project that aligns with his goals and skillset. Zhou plays an active role in his career decisions as he weighs different opportunities and considers input from his family and manager, Graeme Lowdon, striving to secure a position where he is content and ready to excel on the track.
