Zhou Guanyu has joined Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team as an official reserve driver ahead of its debut season.
Cadillac has a driver line-up of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, while Colton Herta is a test driver but is unable to fill the reserve role as he currently does not have the required FIA Super License points to race. That left an opening for an experienced backup option, with Zhou signing after his recent departure from Ferrari.
Zhou was Ferrari reserve in 2025 after previously racing for Sauber from 2022-2024 – under the guise of Alfa Romeo and Stake. During his time at Sauber, Zhou was teammates with Bottas and the pair had a strong relationship driving often uncompetitive machines, while Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon is also part of the Chinese driver’s management team.
“I am very excited to join the Cadillac Formula 1 team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut,” said Zhou. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects the sport has ever seen.
“I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri in various capacities for many years, so joining the team feels like joining my family again. Having had recent experience on track and developing the cars off track, I know I can add enormous value to the Cadillac Formula 1 team, and I look forward to supporting them as best I can.”
Ferrari announced on January 2 that Zhou would be leaving the team, with a message on social media stating: “Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! I wish him all the best.”
Lowdon says Cadillac spent a lot of time adding Zhou, given the importance of an experienced backup option.
“Our process for selecting a reserve driver has been as thorough as the search for our drivers,” he said. “We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is willing 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 when we go racing in 2026 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”
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