In a significant move for both Zhou Guanyu and Cadillac, the Chinese driver has been appointed as the reserve driver for the newly emerging Formula 1 team for the 2026 season. At 26 years old, Zhou brings with him a depth of experience, having previously raced for the Alfa Romeo-branded Sauber team for three seasons from 2022 to 2024.
Zhou's most recent tenure was as a reserve driver for Ferrari, a role he held during the 2025 season. His transition to Cadillac will see him supporting the race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both of whom are making a return to the grid after a year away from competition. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen,” said Zhou, emphasizing the scale of the challenge and opportunity ahead for both himself and the team.
Zhou's relationship with Cadillac extends beyond just his new role; he has previously worked with team principal Graeme Lowdon and Bottas. “I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family,” Zhou noted, reflecting on the personal connections that influenced his decision.
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Lowdon was clear about the qualities they were seeking in their reserve driver. “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,” stated Lowdon. He continued by expressing confidence in Zhou's ability to contribute significantly as they navigate their inaugural season in Formula 1.
Alongside Zhou, Cadillac's driver lineup also features former IndyCar star Colton Herta, who is currently competing in Formula 2. Herta's goal is to accumulate enough points to qualify for an F1 super licence, which could see him as a potential candidate for Cadillac in the near future.
In preparation for their debut season, Cadillac will utilize Ferrari engines until they are ready to implement their own engine, which is under development at their headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. The timeline for Cadillac to transition to their proprietary engine is projected for 2029, showcasing a long-term commitment to their F1 aspirations.
As Cadillac prepares for its entrance into the F1 arena, the momentum is building around their new team structure and vision. The combination of experienced drivers and a strategic plan for technology development underlines their ambition to not only compete but to also innovate within the highly competitive landscape of Formula 1. The upcoming 2026 season promises to be a thrilling chapter not just for Cadillac, but for Zhou Guanyu as he steps into this new role as reserve driver.