Cadillac Taps Zhou Guanyu as 2026 Reserve Driver

Zhou Guanyu is confirmed as Cadillac's reserve driver for their Formula 1 debut season in 2026. The move brings a driver with recent grand prix experience and Ferrari technical insight to the new American outfit, following his year as the Scuderia's reserve in 2025.

Why it matters:

For a brand-new team like Cadillac, having a reserve driver with recent F1 mileage is invaluable. Zhou not only provides on-track support for race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, but his 2025 experience embedded with Ferrari is a strategic asset. Since Ferrari will supply Cadillac's power units and gearboxes, Zhou's insight into the Scuderia's operations and data could accelerate the team's development and integration process.

The details:

• Zhou competed in 68 grands prix for Alfa Romeo and Sauber between 2022 and 2024, scoring points on seven occasions, including Sauber's only point of the 2024 season in Qatar.
• His role as Ferrari's reserve driver in 2025 involved extensive simulator work, Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), and trackside duties, giving him direct familiarity with Cadillac's 2026 power unit supplier.
• The signing was facilitated by a long-standing relationship with Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who previously managed Zhou's career in junior formulas.
• Zhou joins an experienced lineup alongside race drivers Bottas and Perez, and test driver Colton Herta, who does not yet hold a superlicense, further solidifying Zhou's importance as an immediate on-track option.

What's next:

As Cadillac builds towards its first race, Zhou will be integral to the team's preparation and development program. His feedback from simulator sessions and potential TPC days will be crucial for refining the 2026 car. The team now has a well-rounded driver group, blending championship-winning experience with recent F1 knowledge, as it aims for a competitive debut on the grid.