The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is pleased to announce that Zhenrui Chi has joined its Driver Academy. The 17-year-old, regarded as one of China's most promising young racing drivers, becomes the latest addition to the Academy's expanding roster as the team continues to strengthen its long-term pathway for developing emerging talent from across the global motorsport landscape.
As a member of the team's Driver Academy, Zhenrui will race in an Aston Martin Aramco-liveried car, introducing the marque's iconic green to the Formula Regional grid.
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. Over the course of the season, he demonstrated consistent front-running pace and racecraft across European and Middle Eastern F4 categories, delivering a series of standout performances that underlined his talent.
As part of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy, Zhenrui will take part in a tailored development programme designed to support every aspect of his motorsport progression. The programme includes racecraft mentorship from experienced team personnel both trackside and at the AMR Technology Campus, physical conditioning, and dedicated media and communications training to prepare him for the demands of professional motorsport.
Zhenrui Chi, Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy, said:
"Joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team family is a huge honour for me. 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."
Nuno Pinto, Racing Director, Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy, 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 continue to grow. This is a long-term partnership, and we are looking forward to the journey ahead together."
Zhenrui joins current Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy members Mari Boya, competing in FIA Formula 2, Mathilda Paatz, our F1 ACADEMY driver, and young karters Ava Lawrence and Roland Nagy.
Zhenrui's first thoughts
Hear from Zhenrui for the first time after joining the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.
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Read moreAston Martin Aramco Driver Academy
From karting to single-seaters, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
The Academy provides a clear path to the top tiers of racing through tailored racecraft mentorship, simulator work, physical training, media coaching and race weekend immersion.
Get to know Zhenrui
Zhenrui Chi – nicknamed Newman - has emerged as one of Asia's most promising talents.
