Zhou becomes Cadillac reserve driver for F1 2026

Zhou Guanyu has been announced as a Cadillac Formula 1 reserve driver for the 2026 season just three days after his Ferrari exit was revealed.

The 26-year-old spent the 2025 campaign in a reserve role for the Scuderia, but has left the team for a new challenge with F1’s latest outfit, which is set to make its debut this season.

It will see Zhou join forces with Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon, who is also part of the Chinese driver’s management team and there was talk of him becoming one of its main racers.

Cadillac instead opted for grand prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, the latter having been Zhou’s Sauber team-mate for three seasons before both were dropped at the end of 2024.

“I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut,” said Zhou, who scored 16 points during his three years in F1. 

“This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen. I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family.

Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

“Having had recent experience on track and in developing the cars off track, I know I can add huge value to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and I am looking forward to supporting them the best way that I can.”

Zhou is joining a group supporting Perez and Bottas, with ex-IndyCar star Colton Herta in a test role and Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood all as simulator drivers. 

Although Herta is seen as the man with potential to be promoted into the full-time F1 line-up, the 25-year-old doesn’t yet have a superlicence so Zhou is the ready-made replacement should Perez or Bottas not be able to race. 

“Our process for selecting a reserve driver has been as thorough as the search for our race drivers,” said Lowdon, who was previously the boss of the now defunct Virgin (2010-11) and Marussia (2012-15) F1 teams.  

“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 and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”

The 2026 campaign will start with three pre-season tests (Barcelona on 26-30 January and Bahrain on 11-13 February and 18-20 February) before the Melbourne opener on 6-8 March.