Reserve driver Guanyu Zhou says his ultimate goal is to return to an F1 seat
Guanyu Zhou, after reserve stints at Ferrari and Cadillac, says his goal is an F1 seat. Watching races is tough, but he believes experience will help if a seat opens.
Guanyu Zhou, the 2024 Sauber driver who spent 2025 as Ferrari’s reserve and will serve as Cadillac’s reserve in 2026, says his "ultimate goal" is simply to be back on the F1 grid as a full‑time driver. He admits watching races from the pit wall is mentally tough, but the reserve role has sharpened his skills and will help him when a seat opens.
Why it matters:
Zhou’s return would raise Chinese representation in F1, a market the sport wants to grow. In a tight driver market, his recent reserve experience makes him a low‑risk, high‑potential option.
The details:
- 2024: Full‑time Sauber (now Audi) seat – no contract renewal.
- 2025: Ferrari reserve – gained simulator and data‑analysis work.
- 2026: Cadillac reserve – joins a team that gave Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez a year off before they returned.
- Mental side: Watching former rivals feels like a waiting game; he wants to be back on the grid.
- Skill boost: Zhou says the reserve stint made him a better driver, especially in technical feedback.
What's next:
Zhou will use any testing or free‑practice time with Cadillac to showcase his pace, knowing patience and consistent effort can open a seat. If an opportunity arises at Cadillac or elsewhere, he says he’ll be ready to step back onto the grid and race full‑time.