Zhou Guanyu Joins Cadillac Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver Ahead of 2026 F1 Debut

Fishers, Indiana / Silverstone, UK | January 5, 2026: The Cadillac Formula 1® Team has officially confirmed the signing of Zhou Guanyu as its Reserve Driver ahead of the team’s highly anticipated Formula 1 debut in the 2026 season.

Zhou strengthens Cadillac’s expanding driver roster, which already features race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio “Checo” Perez, along with Test Driver Colton Herta, who will compete in Formula 2 with Hitech in 2026.

Experienced F1 Talent Joins Cadillac’s 2026 Line-Up

Shanghai-born Zhou Guanyu, China’s first and only Formula 1 driver, brings significant experience to the American-backed team. The 26-year-old made his F1 debut in 2022 with Alfa Romeo, scoring points on his first outing at the Bahrain Grand Prix and adding two more points finishes that season.

Zhou continued to impress in 2023, again scoring points on three occasions, before remaining with the team following its transition to Kick Sauber in 2024, where he secured the outfit’s only points finish of the season at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Ferrari Experience Adds Technical Value

Zhou’s appointment is further bolstered by his recent experience with Scuderia Ferrari, which will supply the power unit and gearbox to the Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026. Serving as Ferrari’s Reserve Driver in 2025, Zhou completed extensive simulator work, trackside duties and Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programmes, giving him relevant and up-to-date technical insight ahead of Cadillac’s entry into the sport.

Strong Junior Career Pedigree

Before reaching Formula 1, Zhou built an impressive junior career, securing 20 Formula 2 podiums, including five wins, and finishing third overall in the 2021 F2 championship. That same year, he claimed the F3 Asian Championship with four victories and five pole positions. He also recorded wins in the Formula 3 European Championship and finished runner-up in the Italian Formula 4 Championship in 2015.

Zhou Guanyu on Joining Cadillac F1

Commenting on the announcement, 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 biggest and most exciting new projects the sport has ever seen. Having had recent experience both on and off track, I’m confident I can add real value to the team as we prepare for 2026.”

Team Leadership Welcomes Zhou

Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, said the selection process was extensive:
“We wanted a driver with recent F1 experience, strong work ethic and a deep understanding of car development. Zhou fits that profile perfectly and will be a great asset as we go racing in 2026.”

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, added:
“Zhou is a fantastic addition to our driver line-up. Alongside Valtteri, Checo and Colton, we now have a talented, collaborative and highly motivated group as we prepare for our Formula 1 debut.”

Building Momentum for 2026

With Zhou Guanyu’s appointment, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team continues to build momentum ahead of its maiden F1 campaign in 2026, assembling a driver line-up that blends experience, technical depth and competitive ambition.