Aston Martin sign latest Chinese driving prodigy

Aston Martin has signed what it has described as 'one of China's most promising drivers' in Zhenrui Chi to its Academy.

Formula 1 no longer has a Chinese driver on the grid after Zhou Guanyu was axed by Sauber at the end of the 2024 following three seasons with the team, competing in 68 grands prix.

Zhou went on to join Ferrari in 2025 as its reserve driver, before taking on the same role with debutants Cadillac for this year.

Aston Martin claim that Zhenrui's signing 'follows a comprehensive selection process carried out by the team’s Driver Academy programme, which first saw him driving at its evaluation day in Mugello before tracking his impressive 2025 campaign'.

The 17-year-old competed in the Italian F4 championship last season, scoring a victory for Prema Racing in Monza, along with three other podiums en route to finishing fifth in the standings. He also took part in the Middle East F4 Championship and the 72nd Macau Grand Prix.

This year, Zhenrui will compete in Formula Regional, and after being signed by Aston Martin, his car will sport the team's livery.

Alongside his racing programme, the teenager will take part in a tailored development programme designed to support his rise up the motorsport ladder.

Describing his signing by Aston Martin as "a huge honour", Zhenrui added: "It’s a great responsibility, but also an incredible opportunity and motivation to keep pushing myself to the next level.

"Knowing that I have the support of such an iconic team, with all its experience and expertise, gives me a lot of confidence for the journey ahead.

"I know the road will require hard work and dedication, and I’m fully aware that I have to continue to prove I deserve this opportunity. I’m ready to give everything I have and I can’t wait to start this journey with Aston Martin Aramco."

Aston Martin Academy racing director Nuno Pinto has hailed Zhenrui's arrival.

He said: "Zhenrui is exactly the kind of talent our Academy exists to find. We first saw him at an evaluation test in Mugello and were immediately impressed by his ability and approach.

"We then followed his progress through the rest of the 2025 season, where he showed not only pace but also strong consistency in one of the most competitive junior categories in racing, Italian F4.

"We are delighted to welcome him to the Academy and to support his development through our programme at Silverstone.

"With the resources of the AMR Technology Campus and the environment we have built around our drivers, we believe we can help him to continue to grow. This is a long-term partnership, and we are looking forward to the journey ahead together."