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Cadillac Formula 1 Team Taps Zhou Guanyu as Reserve Driver for 2026 Debut Season
Cadillac’s forthcoming Formula 1 team strengthened its roster Monday by appointing former Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu as its reserve driver for its 2026 debut season.
Zhou, the only Chinese driver in Formula 1 history, brings valuable recent experience to the American manufacturer’s ambitious F1 project. Though he hasn’t competed in a race since 2024, Zhou spent last season as a reserve driver at Ferrari, which will supply engines and gearboxes to Cadillac when it enters the sport.
The Shanghai-born driver will serve as backup to Cadillac’s veteran race lineup of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. The experienced pair brings impressive credentials to the new team, having accumulated 16 wins and 527 race starts between them during their F1 careers.
“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,” explained Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon. “Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”
Zhou’s appointment represents more than just technical expertise for Cadillac. As a celebrity in China with significant commercial appeal, his presence gives the luxury American brand valuable visibility in one of the world’s largest automotive markets. This strategic marketing advantage aligns with Formula 1’s ongoing efforts to expand its presence in Asia.
The 27-year-old Zhou is already familiar with one of his new teammates, having partnered with Bottas at Sauber from 2022 through 2024, including when the team operated under the Alfa Romeo banner. During his three-season F1 career, Zhou achieved a best race finish of eighth place.
His time at Ferrari in 2025 proved valuable for both his development and maintaining his F1 readiness. Zhou notably stepped in for a 2026-specification tire test in September when Lewis Hamilton was absent, providing him with relevant insight into the upcoming regulations that will govern F1 when Cadillac makes its debut.
Cadillac’s driver development strategy extends beyond Zhou. The team is also supporting American IndyCar star Colton Herta through a Formula 2 campaign in 2026, complemented by test driver duties with the F1 team. This pathway will help Herta accumulate the necessary points for an FIA super license, potentially positioning him for a future F1 race seat with the American team.
Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 comes at a pivotal time for the sport. The 2026 season will introduce new technical regulations designed to make racing more competitive while pushing toward increased sustainability with more electrical power and carbon-neutral fuels. As the first American manufacturer to enter F1 in decades, Cadillac’s arrival has generated significant interest in the U.S. market, where Formula 1’s popularity has surged dramatically in recent years.
The signing of Zhou continues Cadillac’s methodical approach to building its F1 operation, combining experienced personnel with strategic partnerships as it prepares to compete against established teams like Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, and Ferrari. With just over a year before their competitive debut, Cadillac’s driver lineup now represents a blend of race-winning experience and developmental talent as they build toward their first green light in 2026.
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7 Comments
Cadillac is really going all-in on their F1 ambitions by hiring experienced drivers and tapping into the Ferrari power unit. This could be a game-changer for the American brand.
Interesting move by Cadillac to bring on Zhou Guanyu as their reserve driver. His recent F1 experience will be valuable as they build out their team for their debut season.
Zhou Guanyu is a promising young talent, and this opportunity with Cadillac could be a great way for him to stay involved in F1 even if he’s not racing full-time. Glad to see him get this chance.
Bringing on Zhou Guanyu is a savvy move by Cadillac. His familiarity with the current F1 machinery and the Ferrari power unit will be invaluable as they ramp up their program.
I’m curious to see how Cadillac’s F1 project develops. Having Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as their race drivers is a strong start, and Zhou’s role as reserve driver should provide good depth.
Zhou Guanyu has shown flashes of potential in his F1 career so far. As Cadillac’s reserve driver, he’ll be eager to prove he deserves another shot at a full-time seat.
It will be exciting to see an American manufacturer like Cadillac enter F1. I wonder what kind of resources and technical expertise they’ll be able to bring to the grid.