Zhou Guanyu will become the first Formula One driver from China after signing with Alfa Romeo on Tuesday.
Zhou steps up from Formula Two, where he is second in the standings, and will partner Valtteri Bottas when the 10-time race winner moves from Mercedes for next season.
Zhou has previously been a test driver for the Alpine team and drove for them in a practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix in July.
“To be the first ever Chinese driver in (F1) is a breakthrough for Chinese motorsport history. I know a lot of hopes will be resting on me and, as ever, I will take this as motivation to become better and achieve more,” Zhou said.
Zhou replaces Antonio Giovinazzi, who loses his F1 seat after three years as a full-time driver for Alfa Romeo.