Background and Relevance of Zhou Guanyu
Zhou Guanyu, a Chinese Formula 1 driver, has been signed by the Cadillac F1 Team as their reserve driver for the 2026 season. This addition to the team’s lineup includes Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as race drivers, while Colton Herta, a former IndyCar driver, will serve as the team’s test driver.
Zhou Guanyu’s Previous Experience
Although Zhou Guanyu is no stranger to reserve roles, having served as Ferrari’s reserve driver in 2025, this new challenge comes with the introduction of fresh technical regulations for the upcoming season.
Zhou Guanyu’s Perspective
“I am genuinely excited about this new project,” said the Shanghai-born driver, who spent three years in the grid with Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber from 2022 to 2024. “I know people like Graeme Lowdon, Valtteri Bottas, and many engineers within the team. Throughout this year, I have witnessed their preparations and genuinely believe that the future looks bright. They are not merely aiming to be present on the grid; they are striving to compete and achieve a mission that will elevate Cadillac to a top-tier midfield team, and so on. That’s what truly attracted me.”
Zhou believes that his experience as a reserve driver can benefit both him and the team. “Being the sole reserve driver presents an excellent opportunity to return to racing,” he explained. “At the same time, my ability to provide insights, combined with two experienced drivers, will propel the team forward. This year’s significant regulation changes mean that our accumulated knowledge and experience can be invaluable compared to less experienced drivers.”
Zhou Guanyu’s Connection with Cadillac
Following his departure from the grid with Kick Sauber at the end of 2024, Zhou returned to Ferrari as a reserve driver while being part of the Scuderia’s Academy of Drivers. He worked alongside Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, preparing for Cadillac’s motor and gearbox supply in 2026. Zhou’s experience with Ferrari and his history of competing with Ferrari engines during his time at Alfa Romeo/Kick Sauber will be advantageous for the Cadillac team.
“Since the new era of Formula 1 began in 2022, I have only driven Ferrari engines, becoming accustomed to them,” Zhou noted. “Moreover, while testing for Ferrari last season, I also tested their 2026 engines, so all these factors come together.”
Challenges of Transitioning from F1 Driver to Reserve
Zhou acknowledges that transitioning from an F1 driver to a reserve role has not been without its mental challenges.
“It’s a mental challenge, as you see all the competing drivers, some of whom you have raced against and even beaten over the years,” he admitted. “You want to be out there, feeling you deserve to compete alongside them. That’s probably the mental difficulty, especially when you just watch the race.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Zhou Guanyu’s new role? Zhou Guanyu has joined the Cadillac F1 Team as their reserve driver for the 2026 season.
- Why is this significant? Zhou’s experience as a reserve driver, combined with his familiarity with Ferrari engines and regulations, will provide valuable insights for the Cadillac team as they adapt to new technical rules.
- What are the challenges Zhou faces in this new role? The mental challenge lies in watching other drivers compete, knowing that he has raced against and even beaten some of them in the past.
