The F1 driver who knew about Hamilton’s Ferrari move - and how he found out

Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he knew about Lewis Hamilton’s shock Ferrari F1 switch before the news was officially confirmed.

It was announced last week that Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season and join Ferrari on a multi-year contract from 2025.

The confirmation of one of the biggest driver moves in history shocked the F1 world, but Zhou was one of the few aware of what was unfolding.

The Sauber driver said he was informed by Marc Hynes, who seven-time world champion Hamilton has brought back into his inner circle for the upcoming campaign.

“I didn't check that much [the reaction to Hamilton’s news in China] but people probably didn’t believe it, or 90 per cent of the people [didn’t believe it] when rumours came out,” Zhou told RacingNews365.

“I know Marc, which is his [Hamilton’s] kind of management together with me.

“I text him before it, so I knew he was signing, it was a fact. I didn't tell anyone, but I was really shocked by the news.

“But I think the people back there [at Mercedes], it’s going to be even more shocking. I think as a driver, especially Lewis, I think he is seeing himself to retire as a Ferrari driver.

“It’s obviously very nice to have. I don't blame him for having this kind of feeling.”

Zhou admitted he was surprised by the timing of Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.

“It’s very unexpected, most likely [I was] not expecting Lewis to retire as a Ferrari driver,” the Chinese driver added.

“People love to be retiring as a Ferrari driver, especially the World Champions but he announced it at the beginning of this season, which is still another season to go with his team, which is certainly a shock.

“But exciting I guess for people like us just to understand so many things are changing in other teams.”