The Cadillac team officially announced the hiring of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as holders.
Zhou Guanyu played 69 Grandes Prêmios as a starter between 2022 and 2024 for Alfa Romeo and Seus best results were eighth places in the 2022 Canadá GP and the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP. The announcement took place on January 5, 2026, highlighting the driver’s recent experience in car development.
Cadillac enters as the 11th team on the grid in 2026, using power units and gearboxes supplied by Ferrari initially. The choice of Zhou aims to add technical value to the project under construction.
Zhou Guanyu has entered the chat 🤝
—Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1)January 5, 2026
Welcome to the team, Zhou 🖤pic.twitter.com/dY4EWBD3Td
Trajectory from Zhou Guanyu to Fórmula 1
Zhou Guanyu made history by becoming the first Chinese driver to compete in the Fórmula 1, debuting for the Alfa Romeo in 2022.
During this period, the driver participated in tests and contributed to the development of the cars. In 2025, he served as a reserve on Ferrari, carrying out simulator work and testing previous cars. Essa recent experience was highlighted as a decisive factor in his hiring by Cadillac.
Statements about hiring
Zhou Guanyu expressed enthusiasm about the new challenge in a first-of-its-kind project in the category. Ele mentioned familiarity with team leader Graeme Lowdon and with Valtteri Bottas, a former teammate at Sauber.
The driver stated that his experience on the track and in vehicle development can contribute significantly to the Cadillac. The team plans private testing soon, including sessions at Barcelona.
- Recent experience at Grandes Prêmios
- Knowledge of car development
- Familiarity with power units
- Simulator work and previous tests
Graeme Lowdon emphasized the rigor in the reserve selection process. The team was looking for someone with recent F1 driving and an understanding of the challenges of evolving a car throughout the season.
Structure of Cadillac for 2026
Cadillac has Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez as main pilots, announced previously. Ambos brings vast experience, with victories in Grandes Prêmios and stints on top teams.
In addition to Zhou as the official reserve, the team has other support pilots, including Colton Herta in tests and names like Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood in the simulator. Herta competes for Fórmula 2 in 2026 to obtain super license points.
The operation of Cadillac is distributed across bases in Estados Unidos and Reino Unido, with a focus on Silverstone for European activities. The project represents the entry of an American brand as a full team at Fórmula 1.
Preparations for debut season
Cadillac accelerates preparations for 2026, with new technical regulations coming into force. The team makes strategic hires to form a competitive structure from the start.
Pre-season testing includes sessions at Barcelona and Bahrein before the opening at Melbourne. Zhou must actively participate in these activities, supporting the development of the car.
The initial partnership with Ferrari for engines makes the transition easier. The General Motors plans to introduce its own power unit in the following years.
Personal connections in the ad
Hiring Zhou brings together professionals with a common background. Graeme Lowdon managed the Chinese pilot’s career in previous phases and worked with Bottas on past projects.
This network of relationships facilitates quick integration into the team. Cadillac prioritizes collaboration and experience to face the challenges of a new team on the grid.
The announcement reinforces the team’s commitment to building a solid foundation. Zhou acts as an immediate replacement if necessary, given his valid super license and recent mileage.
Project details
The entry of Cadillac into Fórmula 1 occurred after approval by the FIA and the category in 2025. The team represents General Motors, with support from TWG Motorsports.
The team aims to establish a strong American presence in the category, in line with the growth of the sport in the Estados Unidos. Três Grandes Prêmios occur in the country in recent seasons.
Dan Towriss, CEO of the operation, highlighted the addition of Zhou as a talented complement to the starters. The driver line-up combines developing youth with consolidated experience.
Expectations for development
Zhou Guanyu will participate in closed testing on Montmeló in the coming weeks. Essas sessions help to familiarize you with the project and contribute to initial adjustments to the car.
Cadillac invests in facilities in the USA, including Charlotte for its own future engine. The initial focus remains on competitive performance with provided resources.
The 2026 season brings significant changes to aerodynamics and power units. Equipes new ones like Cadillac seek to maximize opportunities in these regulatory changes.
The reserve pilot plays a crucial role in extensive test programs. Zhou brings specific knowledge from Ferrari, initial component supplier.
Repercussions in the paddock
The quick announcement following the departure of Ferrari demonstrates the agility of Cadillac in the pilot market. Rumores about the agreement had been circulating since the end of 2025.
The choice based on experience in all positions reflects a conservative strategy for the debut. The team avoids excessive risks in its first full campaign.
Zhou maintains a presence on the grid, even without a starting place available. Sua technical contribution supports the growth of the new American team.
The Fórmula 1 gains more diversity with the presence of the only Chinese driver in the history of the category. The Asian market represents growing interest for the sport.
