Cadillac Formula 1 Team Names Zhou Guanyu Reserve for 2026
The Cadillac Formula 1® Team confirms Zhou Guanyu as Reserve Driver ahead of the team’s Formula 1 debut in 2026. Zhou joins the Cadillac Formula 1 Team driver group alongside race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Checo Perez, plus Test Driver Colton Herta. Herta will race in Formula 2 with Hitech in 2026.
Zhou, who was born in Shanghai, remains China’s first and only F1 driver. He brings 68 F1 starts and detailed, recent knowledge of modern car development. He began his F1 career with Alfa Romeo in 2022 and scored points three times, including on his Bahrain Grand Prix debut. He built a reputation for speed and disciplined teamwork. He stayed with the team in 2023 and scored points on three more occasions. He continued with the outfit when it became Kick Sauber in 2024, and he delivered its only points finish of the year in the Qatar Grand Prix. He also raced alongside Bottas during their time at Alfa Romeo and Kick Sauber.
Zhou adds fresh experience with Scuderia Ferrari, which will supply the Cadillac Formula 1® Team power unit and gearbox in 2026. He supported Ferrari across trackside work, simulator duties, and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programmes in 2025 as Reserve Driver. He now brings that relevant, up-to-date preparation into his role with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
Zhou also built a strong junior record before he reached F1. Teams recognised him as a standout talent in Formula 2, where he took 20 podiums and five wins across three seasons. He finished third in the 2021 standings. He also won the F3 Asian Championship in 2021 with four victories and five pole positions. He secured wins in the Formula 3 European Championship and the Italian Formula 4 Championship, and he finished second in Italian F4 in 2015.
Zhou Guanyu said: “I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut. This is one of the most significant and exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen.
“I have worked with both Graeme [Lowdon] and Valtteri [Bottas] for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family. Having had recent experience on track and in developing the cars off track, I know I can add huge value to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and I am looking forward to supporting them the best way that I can.”
Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, said: “Our process for selecting a Reserve Driver has been as thorough as the search for our Race Drivers. We wanted a candidate with recent F1 driving experience, prepared to work hard as part of a team, and with an understanding of the challenges of developing a car throughout the season. Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026, and we look forward to him being an integral part of our team.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, said: “I’m excited to welcome Zhou to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri and Checo; talented, personable and respectful of the hard work and commitment it will take for us to achieve our ambitions. I’m excited by our complete driver line-up – alongside Colton, we have a hungry, fast and collaborative group to make our 2026 debut.”