Zhou Guanyu secures Cadillac F1 reserve role: a quick turnaround for the Chinese driver

Zhou Guanyu's move to Cadillac as reserve driver marks a swift pivot following his departure from Ferrari, with the announcement coming merely three days after the Scuderia confirmed his exit. The 26-year-old Chinese driver, who spent the 2025 season in a reserve capacity at Maranello, has secured a crucial supporting role with F1's newest franchise as it prepares for its highly anticipated debut in 2026.

This development represents a significant turning point for Zhou's post-grid career, offering him continued involvement at the sport's pinnacle during a pivotal regulatory season. Rather than stepping away from the paddock entirely, Zhou has leveraged his experience and relationships to maintain a prominent position within the sport's infrastructure.

The Cadillac connection: management ties and strategic value

A key factor facilitating Zhou's swift transition is his longstanding relationship with Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon, who also serves as the Chinese driver's manager. This established professional bond proved instrumental in securing the reserve role, with Zhou himself acknowledging the familiarity of the environment.

"I am delighted to join the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as a reserve driver ahead of its Formula 1 debut," Zhou stated. "This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen. I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family."

Beyond the managerial connection, Zhou brings valuable technical expertise. Cadillac will utilize Ferrari engines and gearbox units in 2026, making Zhou's recent experience developing Ferrari machinery directly applicable to the American team's needs. This technical synergy positions him as a uniquely qualified reserve driver capable of providing meaningful input on power unit integration and performance optimization.

Zhou's F1 credentials and competitive experience

While Zhou's primary role at Cadillac will be reserve driver, his credentials as a former full-time F1 competitor cannot be overlooked. The Chinese driver contested three complete seasons with Sauber between 2022 and 2024, accumulating 16 championship points and recording two eighth-place finishes as his career-best results. During his Sauber tenure, he competed alongside Valtteri Bottas—now Cadillac's lead driver—for three seasons, establishing familiarity and mutual respect.

Importantly, Zhou's standing as a superlicence-holding driver provides Cadillac with an immediate, deployment-ready replacement should either Bottas or Sergio Perez face fitness issues or incapacity on race weekends. This distinction proves crucial, particularly as Cadillac assembles its support driver roster, which includes IndyCar prospect Colton Herta in a test role and multiple simulator drivers, but lacks the regulatory readiness that Zhou provides.

The 2026 opportunity: a new regulation era

Although Zhou's repeated attempts to secure a full-time F1 seat for 2026 proved unsuccessful—with Cadillac opting for proven grand prix winners Bottas and Perez instead—his reserve appointment should not be underestimated. Zhou had previously expressed optimism regarding 2026 opportunities, recognizing the regulatory transition as a potential window for advancement.

"I think this year or next year are the big two years, especially next year, when there's new regulation changes," Zhou stated in an October interview.

The 2026 season marks a fundamental reset for the grid with new technical regulations, presenting scenarios where unforeseen circumstances could necessitate reserve driver deployment. Cadillac's debut season, in particular, introduces additional logistical and technical complexities that could elevate the reserve driver's importance beyond typical circumstances.

What's next: building momentum in 2026

For Zhou, this Cadillac appointment represents a lifeline within the F1 paddock during a transformative season. The Chinese driver demonstrated his commitment to remaining involved in elite motorsport despite missing out on full-time opportunities, and his willingness to embrace a reserve role underscores his determination to maintain relevance and viability for potential future grid opportunities.

As Cadillac prepares for its inaugural pre-season tests—commencing in Barcelona on January 26-30—Zhou will integrate into a support structure alongside established names in the paddock. With Bottas as a familiar ally and Lowdon's backing, Zhou enters this chapter with structural advantages and technical credibility rarely afforded to reserve drivers.