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Zhou Guanyu joins Cadillac as reserve driver for its Formula One debut, reuniting with Valtteri Bottas.
Zhou Guanyu (X)
China’s Zhou Guanyu has landed on his feet in Formula One, joining Cadillac as reserve driver for the General Motors-backed team’s debut season.
The 26-year-old, who made history as China’s first F1 driver with Sauber in 2022, raced in 68 Grands Prix before leaving the Swiss outfit at the end of 2024.
He spent the 2025 season at Ferrari as a reserve, supporting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, but parted ways with the Scuderia earlier this week — immediately sparking speculation over his next move.
Cadillac, the sport’s newest entrant and 11th team on the grid, moved quickly.
The American outfit will run Ferrari power when it makes its debut in Australia and has already secured experienced race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Former IndyCar racer Colton Herta will serve as test driver.
Zhou’s signing also reunites him with Bottas, his former Sauber teammate, as Cadillac look to blend experience with global appeal. As Formula One eyes further growth in China, the Shanghai-born driver remains a key figure in the sport’s expansion plans.
“I’ve worked with Graeme and Valtteri for many years, so this feels like coming back to family,” Zhou said.
(with agency inputs)
January 05, 2026, 19:31 IST
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