Cadillac Names Zhou Guanyu as Reserve Driver for 2026

Cadillac has confirmed Zhou Guanyu as its reserve driver ahead of the team’s debut season in Formula 1.

Zhou, who raced for Alfa Romeo and later Kick Sauber between 2022 and 2024, becomes the latest addition to the American outfit’s line-up. Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been named as race drivers, while former IndyCar competitor Colton Herta will serve as test driver.

During his three seasons in Formula 1, Zhou contested 68 Grands Prix and scored points seven times, including on his debut at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. The 26-year-old also secured Kick Sauber’s only points finish of the 2024 season in Qatar.

After leaving Sauber at the end of that year, Zhou joined Ferrari in a reserve role, carrying out simulator and trackside duties and taking part in its Testing of Previous Cars programme. He will now bring that experience to Cadillac, which will use Ferrari power units and gearboxes from 2026.

«I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut,» Zhou said. «This is one of the most exciting new projects the sport has seen.»

Team principal Graeme Lowdon said Zhou was selected after a detailed evaluation process, citing his recent Formula 1 experience and understanding of car development. Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings CEO Dan Towriss said Zhou would be a valuable addition to a driver group he described as talented and collaborative ahead of the team’s first season in 2026.