Zhou Guanyu calls move to Cadillac a ‘homecoming’
Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu, after a year with Ferrari, joins Cadillac’s 2026 F1 entry, calling the move a homecoming thanks to his bonds with Valtteri Bottas and manager Graeme Lowdon.
Zhou Guanyu has signed a reserve‑driver contract with Cadillac for its 2026 Formula 1 debut. After a year supporting Ferrari, Zhou describes the switch as a "homecoming", citing his close ties with former Sauber teammate Valtteri Bottas and long‑time manager Graeme Lowdon.
Why it matters:
Zhou’s endorsement gives Cadillac instant credibility as it prepares to launch the sport’s 11th team in 2026. His familiarity with Ferrari power units also means the garage inherits detailed engine knowledge while still using customer units.
The details:
- Zhou spent three seasons (2022‑2024) with Bottas at Alfa Romeo/Sauber, building a strong driver rapport.
- He was Ferrari’s reserve driver in 2025, testing the 2026‑spec power unit and gaining hybrid‑system insight.
- Cadillac will run Ferrari engines through 2029 before developing its own unit. The 2026 driver line‑up pairs Bottas with Sergio Pérez; Zhou will back‑up them in simulators.
What’s next:
Zhou will start at Cadillac’s Charlotte headquarters, logging simulator time and joining engineers at Silverstone. His feedback is expected to shape early aerodynamic and power‑unit development and could accelerate the team’s shift to a works engine by the end of the decade.