Cadillac Formula 1 Team Welcomes Zhou Guanyu as Reserve Driver
Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu has joined the new Cadillac Formula 1 team as reserve driver, bringing his wealth of experience to the American team. Zhou will act as support for Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, who are both returning from a year out to race for the team, and will be first in line should either be unable to race at an event.
Zhou had spent last year as reserve driver for Ferrari after three seasons as Bottas’ teammate at the Alfa Romeo/Sauber team. His appointment to the Cadillac team is a significant move, given his recent F1 driving experience and his ability to work hard as part of a team. According to Team boss Graeme Lowdon, Zhou’s long-time manager, “We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season. Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026.”
Zhou’s Experience and Expertise
Zhou’s experience in F1 is unparalleled, having spent three seasons as a teammate to Valtteri Bottas at Alfa Romeo/Sauber. His knowledge of the sport and his ability to adapt to new teams and situations will be invaluable to the Cadillac team. As a reserve driver, Zhou will play a crucial role in supporting the team’s drivers and helping to develop the car throughout the season.
Cadillac’s Future Plans
Cadillac also has American driver Colton Herta on its books on a development deal. The former IndyCar race winner is taking the unorthodox step of racing in F1 feeder series Formula 2 this year as part of his push for a step up to the world championship in future. Cadillac owners General Motors have already committed to racing with their own American-made engines by 2029. In the meantime, Cadillac has a deal to race with Ferrari until their own engine project is ready.
With Zhou on board, Cadillac is well-placed to make a strong start to the 2026 season. His experience and expertise will be invaluable to the team, and his ability to support the drivers and develop the car will be crucial in the team’s quest for success. As the team looks to the future, with plans to develop its own engines and potentially bring through young American drivers like Colton Herta, Zhou’s appointment is a significant step in the right direction.
