Scuderia Ferrari officially announced the departure of Zhou Guanyu as reserve pilot this week. The Chinese driver, who held the position throughout the 2025 season, will no longer be part of the Italian team from 2026 onwards. The separation was communicated through posts on the team’s social media, with messages of thanks for the work done.
Cadillac, a new team that debuts at Fórmula 1 in 2026, published suggestive content on social media pointing to the imminent arrival of Zhou. Fontes indicate that the official announcement should take place in the next few days, probably on January 5th. The Chinese would act as a reserve alongside other pilots, maintaining an indirect connection with the power unit supplied by Ferrari.
Zhou Guanyu actively participated in simulator sessions and private testing for Ferrari in 2025.
Trajectory from Zhou Guanyu to Fórmula 1
Zhou Guanyu entered the Fórmula 1 in 2022 for the Alfa Romeo team, becoming the first Chinese driver to compete full-time in the category. Ele played three full seasons for the Swiss team, which later became known as Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber.
The driver accumulated points in several races and demonstrated consistency on different tracks. At the end of 2024, the team chose not to renew his contract as a starter.
Role as reserve in Ferrari
Ferrari hired Zhou Guanyu as a third pilot in early 2025. Ele worked directly with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on track and simulator activities.
The Italian team highlighted the Chinese team’s dedication in an official statement. The work included tire testing and participation in promotional events.
Signs of the change to Cadillac
Cadillac published cryptic images on their social networks shortly after Ferrari’s announcement. Especialistas interpret the content as a teaser for the hiring of Zhou Guanyu.
The North American team uses Ferrari power units in its debut project. Essa technical connection facilitates the Chinese driver’s transition to the new team.
The official announcement of Cadillac is scheduled for soon. Zhou would join incumbents Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas in the reserve structure.
Cadillac team structure for 2026
Cadillac enters Fórmula 1 as the 11th team on the grid in 2026. The project has an important technical partnership and operational base in Estados Unidos.
The confirmed starting pilots are Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas. Ambos brings consolidated experience from previous seasons in top teams.
- Sergio Pérez: Mexican Experiente with victories in Grandes Prêmios for Red Bull.
- Valtteri Bottas: Finlandês with victorious passages through Mercedes.
- Colton Herta: Jovem American who arranges commitments at Fórmula 2.
- Zhou Guanyu: Esperado as additional reserve with knowledge in Ferrari units.
The team has been investing in infrastructure to compete since the beginning of the season. Testes preparations are already underway.
Context of Cadillac’s debut in the category
The entry of Cadillac represents an expansion of the championship to 11 teams. The FIA approved the project after detailed technical and financial feasibility analyses.
The team uses the Ferrari engine, which guarantees initial competitiveness. Parcerias commercials strengthen presence in the North American market.
The Fórmula 1 has expanded its calendar with more races in the Estados Unidos in recent years. The new team contributes to greater local engagement.
Previous experience of Zhou with Bottas
Zhou Guanyu shared a garage with Valtteri Bottas at Sauber between 2022 and 2024. The pair worked together on car development for three seasons.
This familiarity can facilitate rapid integration into Cadillac. Bottas acts as an experienced reference for reserve pilots.
Zhou Guanyu’s recent activity
Zhou participated in private testing for Ferrari throughout 2025. Ele accumulated valuable hours on Maranello’s simulator.
The driver maintained his physical and technical preparation during the period without racing as a starter. Eventos promotions on China increased its visibility in the local market.
The change to Cadillac keeps Zhou active in the Fórmula 1 paddock. The reserve role includes readiness for eventual replacements.
Preparation of teams for new regulations
The 2026 season marks the introduction of new technical rules in the Fórmula 1. Carros present significant changes in aerodynamics and power units.
Teams have intensified development programs since the previous year. Pilotos reservations gain importance in extra testing sessions.
Cadillac accelerates hiring to form a complete structure. The inclusion of Zhou reinforces options in the driver’s seat.
Perspective of Zhou in the Chinese market
Zhou Guanyu maintains status as the only Chinese driver with experience in Fórmula 1.
The category seeks expansion in Ásia with annual races in Xangai. Pilotos reserves participate in promotional actions in strategic markets.
The continuity of Zhou in F1 preserves Chinese representation on the grid. Equipes value diversity in their line-ups.
The 2026 season promises intense disputes with the arrival of a new team. Zhou Guanyu continues to closely monitor the preparations.
Technical details of the Cadillac-Ferrari partnership
The Cadillac receives power units directly from Maranello. The agreement includes technical support during the initial phase.
Customer teams benefit from constant engine updates. Zhou already has complete familiarity with the Italian equipment.
Comparative tests help in fine-tuning the North American car. Reservas actively participate in these sessions.
Fórmula 1 regulates the supply of engines to new teams. The model adopted by Cadillac follows established standards.
