Cadillac confirms signing new driver for its debut Formula 1 season

11:16, 05 Jan

byKada Sarkozi

Guanyu Zhou will become Cadillac's reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Guanyu Zhou will be the American team's first reserve driver in the competition heading into the 2026 campaign. The Chinese driver had the same position at Ferrari the previous season after previously having a full-time seat with Sauber.

Cadillac has previously announced Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its full-time drivers, while joining from IndyCar, Colton Herta will be the team's reserve driver. The American driver will also compete in Formula 2 as well.

Zhou 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 that the sport has ever seen.

Guanyu Zhou - Photo: Race Pictures

“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."

Team boss Graeme Lowdon, who knows Zhou very well, said: "Our process for selecting a Reserve Driver has been as thorough as the search for our Race Drivers. 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."

Dan Towriss, the team's CEO concluded: "I’m excited to welcome Zhou to Cadillac Formula 1 Team. He will be an excellent addition to complement Valtteri and Checo; talented, personable and respectful of the hard work and commitment it will take for us to achieve our ambitions. I’m excited by our complete driver line-up – alongside Colton, we have a hungry, fast and collaborative group to make our 2026 debut."

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