Cadillac Signs Ex-Ferrari Driver Guanyu Zhou as Reserve Driver for 2026
Guanyu Zhou has quickly secured a new role in Formula 1, joining the Cadillac team as a reserve driver for their 2026 debut season after departing from Ferrari.
Guanyu Zhou is set to continue his Formula 1 career with the Cadillac team, joining as a reserve driver for the 2026 season. The move comes just days after his departure from Ferrari, where he served as a backup driver. Zhou, a former full-time driver for Alfa Romeo/Sauber, will bring valuable recent F1 experience to the American outfit as it prepares for its debut on the grid.
Why it matters:
Cadillac's signing of Zhou is a strategic move to infuse its new F1 project with experienced personnel. As a newcomer, the team is prioritizing drivers with current F1 knowledge to accelerate its development and integration into the sport. Zhou's familiarity with the modern F1 machinery and his established relationships within the team, including with team principal Graeme Lowdon, make him a key asset for their 2026 campaign.
The Details:
- Official Role: Zhou has been officially confirmed as a reserve driver for Cadillac, starting in 2026.
- Quick Transition: This announcement follows shortly after his stint as a reserve driver for Ferrari ended after just one season.
- Familiar Faces: The move reunites Zhou with team principal Graeme Lowdon, who is also part of Zhou's management team. He will also join former Alfa Romeo teammate Valtteri Bottas, who is one of Cadillac's confirmed race drivers for 2026.
- Driver Lineup: The team's core is taking shape with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as the two race drivers. Zhou is the first official reserve driver, with Colton Herta also in the mix pending the acquisition of his Super License.
- Strategic Value: Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted that Zhou was chosen for his "current Formula 1 experience, development understanding, and willingness to fully commit to the team."
What's next:
Zhou's role will be crucial as Cadillac navigates its inaugural season, providing simulation work, development feedback, and on-track support. While Colton Herta's potential involvement adds another layer, Zhou's Super License and recent F1 experience give him an immediate advantage. The team is clearly building a roster that blends proven F1 talent with new ambitions, positioning itself to be competitive as soon as it hits the track in 2026.