P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Outgoing Sauber racer Zhou Guanyu is close to remaining in F1 for 2025 in a reserve role driver role at Ferrari, according to a report.
Sauber’s recent announcement confirmed that Gabriel Bortoleto will team up with Nico Hulkenberg next season, resulting in Zhou’s departure from the team after being with them since 2022. Both Zhou and Valtteri Bottas will leave the team as Sauber transitions into Audi in 2026. The only potential spot left on the 2025 grid is at the Red Bull-owned RB team, leaving Zhou and Bottas without a current racing opportunity for the upcoming season. Zhou has expressed willingness to become a reserve driver while hoping for a return to F1 in 2026 under new regulations. Reports suggest Ferrari is expecting Zhou to join them next season to support race drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, reviving his ties to the team with previous Academy membership. If Zhou secures a deal with Ferrari, his track time in F1 cars would be limited to private filming days or test appearances due to the increased opportunities granted to rookies by the FIA in 2025. Bottas, on the other hand, is rumored to potentially rejoin Mercedes as a test or reserve driver, keeping him present in the F1 paddock.
