The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has confirmed that Zhou Guanyu will join the squad as Reserve Driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut in 2026.

Zhou becomes part of an experienced driver group that already includes race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, as well as Test Driver Colton Herta, who is set to compete in Formula 2 with Hitech in 2026.

Born in Shanghai, Zhou is China’s first and only Formula 1 driver and brings solid recent experience to Cadillac’s ambitious project. He made his F1 debut in 2022 with Alfa Romeo, scoring points on three occasions, including on his first appearance at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Zhou continued with the team in 2023, again finishing in the points three times, before staying on when the outfit became Kick Sauber in 2024. That season, he secured the team’s only points finish of the year at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Crucially for Cadillac, the 26-year-old also arrives with up-to-date knowledge from his recent work with Scuderia Ferrari, which will supply Cadillac with its power unit and gearbox in 2026. During 2025, Zhou carried out simulator duties, trackside work and Testing of Previous Cars programmes as Ferrari’s Reserve Driver, experience that will directly support Cadillac’s car development efforts.

Zhou’s junior career further underlines his credentials. He finished third in the Formula 2 championship in 2021 after collecting 20 podiums and five wins across three seasons. In the same year, he claimed the F3 Asian Championship with four victories and five pole positions, and he also recorded wins in the Formula 3 European Championship and the Italian Formula 4 Championship, where he was runner-up in 2015.

“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 that the sport has ever seen," Zhou Guanyu said in the press release.

“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.” added the new reserve driver of Cadillac.