Aston Martin has announced that Zhenrui Chi has joined its Driver Academy.

The 17-year-old, regarded as one of China's most promising young 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 academy, Zhenrui will race in an Aston Martin-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 race-craft across European and Middle East F4 categories, delivering a series of standout performances that underlined his talent.

As part of the Academy, Zhenrui will take part in a tailored development programme designed to support every aspect of his motorsport progression. The programme includes race-craft mentorship from experienced team personnel both trackside and at the AMR Technology Campus, physical conditioning, and a dedicated media and communications training to prepare him for the demands of professional motorsport.

"Joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team family is a huge honour for me," said Zhenrui. "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."

"Zhenrui is exactly the kind of talent our Academy exists to find," added Nuno Pinto, Racing Director, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy. "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."

Born on March 28, 2009, in Wenzhou, Zhenrui - nicknamed Newman - has emerged as one of Asia's most promising talents. After a successful 2024 debut in the F4 Middle East Trophy, Zhenrui demonstrated immense growth in 2025. Competing in the F4 Championship, he achieved a dominant victory and fastest lap at Monza in the Italian F4 Championship, alongside four podium finishes. His 2025 season included appearances in the Euro 4 Championship, Formula Regional European Championship, and the 72nd Macau Grand Prix - FIA FR World Cup, showcasing his readiness for the challenges of a top-tier motorsport career.