Zhou Guanyu joins Cadillac as reserve driver, strengthening the project ahead of 2026

The Chinese driver brings recent Formula 1 experience to the American team as it prepares for its long-awaited debut on the grid.

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Cadillac’s Formula 1 project continues to take shape with deliberate, strategic moves. One year out from its official debut, the American outfit has confirmed the signing of Zhou Guanyu as its reserve driver for the 2026 season, adding a crucial layer of experience and technical depth to its growing structure.

Zhou, who raced in Formula 1 from 2022 to 2024 with Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber, becomes the latest confirmed member of the Cadillac line-up. The team has already locked in Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as race drivers, while Colton Herta will serve as test driver, underlining a clear philosophy: surround a new team with people who understand the realities of modern F1.

Across his time on the grid, Zhou started 68 Grands Prix and scored points on seven occasions, including a strong points finish on his debut at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. Notably, he also delivered Kick Sauber’s only points result of the entire 2024 season, achieved in Qatar, highlighting his ability to extract results under pressure.

After leaving Sauber at the end of 2024, Zhou remained embedded in the F1 ecosystem by joining Ferrari as a reserve driver. There, he gained extensive simulator, trackside and TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) experience, knowledge that will now directly benefit Cadillac, who will run Ferrari power units and gearboxes in 2026.

Speaking about his move, Zhou made his enthusiasm clear:
“I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut. This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects the sport has ever seen.”

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He also emphasized the personal connections behind the decision:
“I have worked with Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family. With my recent on-track and car development experience, I know I can add real value to the team.”

From the team’s perspective, the appointment was no coincidence. Team Principal Graeme Lowdon explained that Zhou met every requirement they set out during the selection process:
“We wanted a reserve driver with recent F1 experience, someone ready to work hard within the team and who understands the challenges of developing a car throughout a season. Zhou fits that profile perfectly.”

At executive level, Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, highlighted the balance now in place:
“Zhou complements Valtteri and Checo extremely well. He’s talented, personable and understands the commitment required to build this project. Alongside Colton, we now have a hungry, fast and collaborative driver group for our 2026 debut.”

More than a reserve role, Zhou’s arrival signals something broader. Cadillac are not simply filling seats — they are building a foundation of experience, technical understanding and credibility ahead of one of the most anticipated new entries in recent F1 history.

Quietly but decisively, the project moves forward. And with Zhou Guanyu on board, Cadillac adds another proven voice to help guide its first steps in Formula 1.