The deal seemed all but confirmed. However, in the end, it will not be Guanyu Zhou filling the role of Ferrari’s reserve driver in 2025. The Chinese driver will now have to find another seat for the upcoming season after his departure from Sauber.
Mattia Binotto has decided to completely change his team’s lineup for next year. Instead of Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou, Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto will join, forming a duo that combines the right mix of experience and youth, which will be needed to help the team recover from a rather disappointing 2024 Formula 1 season.
A Ferrari junior promoted in Maranello
After ruling out the option of Guanyu Zhou, Ferrari appears to have chosen a fellow racer as its reserve driver for the 2025 season. Arthur Leclerc, after participating in the free practice session in Abu Dhabi, is expected to take over the seat that was held this season by Oliver Bearman and Robert Shwartzman.
In recent months, the Monegasque driver has played a key role in working on the simulator, providing valuable feedback for development. Arthur Leclerc has been instrumental in helping Ferrari understand and address the issues the SF-24 faced in the middle of the season.
For the brother of Charles, this will be an opportunity to showcase his talent by returning to the cockpit after his time in Formula 2.
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