Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu has been named Cadillac’s reserve driver for the team’s debut Formula 1 season in 2026. The 26-year-old returns to the F1 paddock after spending last year as a reserve driver and previously racing for the Alfa Romeo-branded Sauber team for three seasons.
Role in Cadillac’s debut season
Zhou will provide support to Cadillac’s race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both of whom return to the grid in 2026 after a year away from the sport. Bottas and Zhou were team-mates during their time together at Sauber, giving the team an experienced pairing to lean on in its first season.
Cadillac driver programme
Cadillac have also signed former IndyCar driver Colton Herta, who is competing in Formula 2 this year as he works towards securing enough licence points for a Formula 1 super licence, according to the team.
Zhou’s reaction to the move
“This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen,” Zhou said, as quoted by Cadillac. He added that working again with familiar figures made the move feel like “rejoining family”.
Team view on Zhou signing
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon said the team wanted a driver with recent F1 experience who understood the demands of car development over a full season, according to Cadillac.
Engine plans for 2026 and beyond
Cadillac will run Ferrari power units in their early F1 seasons. General Motors has confirmed the team is developing its own in-house engine at its Charlotte base in North Carolina, with the aim of introducing it in 2029.
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