Cadillac hires Zhou Guanyu as reserve driver for its debut F1 season

New Formula 1 team Cadillac made another experienced hire yesterday with the choice of former Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu as its reserve.

The only driver from China in F1 history, Shanghai-born Zhou hasn’t raced since 2024 but spent last season as reserve with Ferrari, which is supplying engines and gearboxes for Cadillac’s debut season. That means he brings “relevant and recent experience” to Cadillac, the team said.

Zhou will be the backup to Cadillac’s even more experienced pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, who have a combined 16 wins and 527 starts between them.

“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,” team principal Graeme Lowdon said in a statement.

“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.”

Zhou’s arrival also gives the Cadillac brand visibility in China, where he is a celebrity with a major commercial profile.