Zhou Guanyu has secured a rapid return to the Formula 1 paddock after departing Ferrari‘s reserve driver programme just days ago. The Chinese driver will serve as reserve driver for the Cadillac F1 Team ahead of their maiden season in 2026, bringing three years of grand prix experience to the American manufacturer’s ambitious entry into the sport. The appointment completes Cadillac’s driver roster as the team prepares for its debut campaign.
Former Sauber driver returns in supporting role
Zhou spent the 2024 season as Ferrari’s reserve driver following his departure from the Alfa Romeo Sauber squad, where he competed for three seasons and accumulated 16 championship points. His new position at Cadillac reunites him with several familiar faces from his racing career, creating what the 25-year-old describes as a homecoming of sorts.
“I am incredibly excited to join Cadillac Formula 1 Team as reserve driver ahead of their debut in Formula 1,” Zhou stated following the announcement. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects the sport has ever seen.”
The move represents a pragmatic step for Zhou, who retains his connection to the grid while supporting a team undertaking one of the most significant expansions in recent Formula 1 history. His familiarity with current technical regulations and race weekend procedures will prove valuable as Cadillac navigates the complexities of establishing a competitive operation.
Cadillac completes 2026 driver lineup
With Zhou’s appointment, Cadillac has finalised its driver structure for its inaugural season. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez will pilot the race cars, bringing a combined 25 years of Formula 1 experience to the fledgling outfit. Both drivers possess championship-contending pedigree, with Bottas having won ten grands prix during his Mercedes tenure and Pérez claiming six victories across his career.
The team has also secured IndyCar standout Colton Herta as official test driver. However, Herta currently lacks the necessary superlicence points to qualify for a race seat. To address this, Cadillac has arranged for the American to compete in Formula 2 rounds and participate in test sessions with the team’s machinery throughout 2026, accumulating the required credentials for potential future promotion.
Zhou’s role becomes particularly significant given Herta’s superlicence situation. Should either Bottas or Pérez become unavailable during a race weekend through illness or injury, Zhou represents the only immediately eligible replacement driver on Cadillac’s roster. His previous racing experience provides the team with essential insurance against unforeseen circumstances.
Familiar faces drive Zhou’s decision
Zhou emphasised the personal connections that made the Cadillac opportunity particularly appealing. “I have worked with both Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri in various capacities over many years, so joining the team feels like coming home to family,” he explained.
Lowdon, who serves as Cadillac F1’s team principal, previously held leadership positions at Marussia and Manor Racing, where he developed a reputation for nurturing young talent and building teams from the ground up. His experience launching operations with limited resources aligns with Cadillac’s challenge of establishing a competitive presence against established manufacturers.
The relationship between Zhou and Bottas dates to their time in the junior categories and overlapped during Zhou’s final season at Alfa Romeo Sauber in 2024, when Bottas also competed for the team. That shared experience provides valuable continuity as both transition to Cadillac’s new project.
What this means going forward
Cadillac’s methodical approach to building its driver programme reflects the substantial investment General Motors has committed to its Formula 1 entry. By securing three drivers with grand prix experience alongside Herta’s American market appeal, the team has balanced competitive credibility with commercial considerations. Zhou’s reserve role ensures operational flexibility while the team focuses on establishing its technical infrastructure and competitive baseline during its debut season. As Cadillac continues preparations throughout 2025 before racing begins in 2026, Zhou will likely contribute to simulator development and provide crucial feedback as the team refines its approach to modern Formula 1 competition.
