Zhou Guanyu Named Reserve Driver for Cadillac’s 2026 F1 Debut
Cadillac’s highly anticipated entry into Formula 1 in 2026 is gaining momentum with the announcement of Zhou Guanyu as its Reserve Driver. The move brings a seasoned F1 competitor to the team, bolstering its driver lineup alongside confirmed racers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez, and Test Driver Colton Herta.
A Wealth of Experience for Cadillac’s New Era
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has secured a driver with 68 Formula 1 race starts under his belt. Zhou, 26, brings a unique blend of race experience and recent development work to the nascent team. He began his F1 career in 2022 with Alfa Romeo, immediately making an impact with a points finish in his debut race at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He continued to demonstrate his potential with further point-scoring performances in 2023 and 2024, including a standout result in the Qatar Grand Prix while driving for Kick Sauber.
Notably, Zhou is a pioneering figure in motorsport, being China’s first and only Formula 1 driver. This appointment is expected to further expand the sport’s reach into the crucial Chinese market.
Ferrari Connection Adds Technical Depth
Beyond his on-track achievements, Zhou’s recent association with Scuderia Ferrari provides a valuable technical link for Cadillac. The Italian marque will supply the Cadillac F1 Team with its power unit and gearbox starting in 2026. In 2025, Zhou served as a Reserve Driver for Ferrari, participating in extensive trackside, simulator, and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programs. This experience will be instrumental in the development and optimization of Cadillac’s new F1 challenger.
From Formula 2 Success to the F1 Grid
Zhou’s talent was evident long before his Formula 1 debut. He enjoyed a successful run in Formula 2, securing 20 podium finishes and five victories over three years. He finished third in the 2021 Formula 2 standings, concurrently claiming the F3 Asian Championship title with four wins and five pole positions. Earlier successes include victories in the Formula 3 European Championship and the Italian Formula 4 Championship, where he finished second overall in 2015.
Drivers and Team Officials Express Enthusiasm
“I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 series debut,” Zhou stated. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen. I have worked with both Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri [Bottas] for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family. 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.”
Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of Cadillac Formula 1 Team, emphasized the thoroughness of the selection process. “Our process for selecting a Reserve Driver has been as thorough as the search for our Race Drivers. 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.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, added, “I’m excited to welcome Zhou to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri and Checo; talented, personable and respectful of the hard work and commitment it will take for us to achieve our ambitions. I’m excited by our complete driver line-up – alongside Colton, we have a hungry, fast and collaborative group to make our 2026 debut.”
With a strong driver roster and a dedicated team, Cadillac is poised to make a significant impact when it enters the Formula 1 arena in 2026. Zhou Guanyu’s appointment as Reserve Driver is a key step in building a competitive and successful future for the American manufacturer in the pinnacle of motorsport.
