Cadillac F1 team signs Zhou as reserve driver

Zhou Guanyu has joined Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team as its official reserve driver ahead of its debut season.

Cadillac has a race driver lineup of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, while Colton Herta is a test driver but unable to fulfill the role of reserve as he doesn’t currently have the required FIA Super License points to be allowed to race. That left an opening for an experienced reserve option, with Zhou signed following his recent departure from Ferrari.

Zhou was Ferrari reserve in 2025 having previously raced for Sauber – under the guises of Alfa Romeo and Stake – from 2022-2024. During his time at Sauber, Zhou was teammate with Bottas and the pair enjoyed a strong relationship driving what was often uncompetitive machinery, while Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon is also part of the Chinese driver's management team.

"I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut," Zhou said. "This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen.

“I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri 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.”

Ferrari announced Zhou was moving on from the team on January 2, with a social media post saying: “Grateful for Zhou Guanyu’s commitment and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! Wishing him all the best ahead.”

Lowdon says the addition of Zhou was one that Cadillac spent a lot of time deliberating, given the importance of an experienced reserve option.

“Our process for selecting a reserve driver has been as thorough as the search for our race drivers," he said. "We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands 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.”