Zhou Guanyu Signs with Cadillac as 2026 Reserve Driver
Cadillac has officially announced the signing of Zhou Guanyu as their reserve driver for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season. This move is part of Cadillac’s preparations for its inaugural season in Formula 1.
Zhou Guanyu’s Background
Zhou Guanyu previously raced for the Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber team from 2022 to 2024. During his stint, he participated in 68 Grands Prix and scored points in seven races. Notably, he gained points in his very first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2022 and recorded the only points finish for Kick Sauber in 2024 during the Qatar Grand Prix.
Transition to Cadillac
After leaving Alfa Romeo at the end of the 2024 season, Zhou transitioned to a reserve role with Ferrari. His responsibilities included trackside support and simulator work, as well as participation in Ferrari’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programmes. This diverse experience will be valuable to Cadillac, especially as Ferrari provides the team with its power unit and gearbox.
Statements from Zhou and Team Officials
Zhou Guanyu expressed his excitement about joining Cadillac, stating, “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 that the sport has ever seen.” He emphasized his familiarity with team members and his eagerness to contribute to Cadillac’s success.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted the thorough selection process for the reserve driver position. He noted that Zhou’s recent F1 experience and readiness to work collaboratively make him an ideal fit. “Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026,” Lowdon stated.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, also shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m excited to welcome Zhou to Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.” The CEO praised the team’s overall driver line-up, emphasizing their collective ambition for the 2026 season.
Cadillac’s Driver Line-up
- Valtteri Bottas – Race Driver
- Sergio Perez – Race Driver
- Colton Herta – Test Driver
- Zhou Guanyu – Reserve Driver
As Cadillac gears up for its debut in Formula 1, the team, led by a strong driver line-up, aims to make a significant impact in the competitive racing landscape starting in 2026.
