Guanyu Zhou Joins Cadillac as Reserve Driver for 2026 F1 Debut

Guanyu Zhou is set to join the new Cadillac Formula 1 team as a reserve driver for their debut 2026 season. The Chinese driver, who previously served as a reserve for Ferrari and raced full-time for Sauber, brings a wealth of recent F1 experience to the American outfit. His appointment is a strategic move for the new team as it prepares to enter the grid.

Why it matters:

For a brand-new team like Cadillac, assembling a driver lineup with recent, relevant Grand Prix experience is critical for a competitive start. A reserve driver's role extends far beyond being a standby; they are integral to car development, simulator work, and providing feedback based on the latest F1 machinery. Zhou's recent tenure with Ferrari offers the American team an invaluable resource as they build their 2026 car from the ground up.

The details:

• Zhou's Track Record: He was Ferrari's reserve driver in 2025 after two full seasons with Sauber (2022-2023), giving him direct experience with current-generation F1 cars.
• Complete Lineup: Zhou joins a confirmed race driver pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted Zhou's recent F1 experience and strong work ethic as key reasons for his selection.
• Familiar Faces: Zhou noted his existing relationships with team boss Graeme Lowdon and driver Valtteri Bottas, saying joining the team "feels like rejoining family," which should help with team integration.
• CEO's Vision: Team CEO Dan Towriss expressed excitement about the complete driver group, describing them as a "hungry, fast and collaborative" lineup ready for the challenges of their debut season.

What's next:

With its driver lineup now solidified, Cadillac's focus shifts entirely to the monumental task of designing, building, and developing its 2026 challenger. Zhou will be a crucial part of this process, spending significant time in the simulator and providing feedback to help the team hit the ground running. The American outfit is clearly aiming for a credible and competitive debut rather than just a learning year, and this experienced driver trio is its first statement of intent.