Ferrari Announce Driver Change for 2026 F1 Season as Exit Confirmed

Ferrari have made a change to their driver line-up ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

2025 was a year to forget for Ferrari as they failed to deliver a challenge against the likes of McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull.

At the start of the season, a lot was expected from the Scuderia, especially after Lewis Hamilton's arrival.

However, the Brit struggled to adapt to his new surroundings, ultimately finishing in sixth place, 86 points behind teammate Charles Leclerc.

Despite his struggles, Hamilton did manage to secure Ferrari's only victory of the 2025 season, which came in the Sprint during the Chinese Grand Prix weekend in Shanghai.

Ferrari ended up fourth in the constructors' championship, finishing the campaign with zero Grand Prix wins and just seven podiums, all scored by Leclerc.

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Ferrari endured a tough season in 2025. Image: Getty

Ahead of what is set to be a crucial 2026 season, Ferrari have announced that reserve driver Zhou Guanyu has left the team.

In a short statement on social media, Ferrari wrote: "Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! Wishing him all the best ahead."

In response, the Chinese driver said: "Grazie! All the best & see you around!"

Back in February 2025, Zhou was confirmed as Ferrari's reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been in the role for several years.

It is currently unconfirmed whether Ferrari will have a second reserve driver for 2026, but an announcement is expected before the season starts in March.

Zhou Guanyu will not be Ferrari's reserve driver in 2026. Image: Getty

In recent years, reserve drivers have played a key part in a team's set-up.

They allow the team to gather important data for car development through hours spent on the simulator.

During his stay with Ferrari, Zhou would have provided the team with useful information about the SF-25.

Prior to moving to Ferrari as a reserve driver, Zhou spent four years in the Scuderia's Driver Academy.

He then became the first Chinese driver to race in F1 when he drove for Alfa Romeo Racing in 2022 and 2023.

After Alfa Romeo Racing rebranded to Kick Sauber, Zhou stayed with the team in 2024 but was dropped at the end of that season.

In total, the 26-year-old has taken part in 68 Grands Prix and has collected 16 world championship points.