BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's Zhou Guanyu has been confirmed as a reserve driver for Cadillac ahead of its debut Formula One season in 2026, the team announced Monday.
Zhou, 26, joins a Cadillac lineup led by race drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, with Colton Herta serving as a test driver while competing in Formula 2 this season. The American-backed team will enter F1 in 2026 using Ferrari power units and gearboxes.
Shanghai-born Zhou brings recent F1 experience and familiarity with both Bottas and Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon. Zhou raced alongside Bottas during his three seasons with Alfa Romeo and its successor team Sauber from 2022 to 2024, while Lowdon's company Equals Management has overseen Zhou's career.
Zhou made history in 2022 as China's first Formula 1 race driver. He competed in 68 grands prix, scoring points on three occasions in both 2022 and 2023, and recorded Sauber's only points finish of 2024 at the Qatar Grand Prix.
After being dropped by Sauber at the end of 2024, Zhou served as a reserve driver for Ferrari in 2025 before departing at the end of the year. The Italian outfit issued a public message of thanks last week, praising Zhou's contribution during the season. Zhou shared the message on social media, saying he appreciated the trust shown by Ferrari and hinting at his next chapter in 2026.
Cadillac said Zhou's recent F1 experience and technical input were key factors in his selection.
"Our process for selecting a reserve driver has been as thorough as the search for our race drivers," Lowdon said. "Zhou fits the bill perfectly and will be a great asset as we go racing in 2026."
With no F1 race seats available to him for 2026, and limited options in other series, Zhou said joining Cadillac felt like a return to familiar ground.
"I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years, so joining the team feels like rejoining family," he said. "I know I can add value both on track and off track." ■
