Zhou Guanyu, a 26-year-old Chinese driver, was announced as a reserve for the 2025.
The change represents a new phase in the career of the only Chinese driver to compete in the main category of world motorsport. Zhou competed in 68 Grandes Prêmios for Sauber between 2022 and 2024, a period in which he accumulated experience alongside Valtteri Bottas. Agora, he meets the Finn at Cadillac, which also has Sergio Perez as a starter.
The team uses Ferrari engines in its debut season, scheduled to start in March, at Austrália. Zhou brings recent track and simulator knowledge, acquired during work with the Italian team.
Zhou Guanyu’s career at Fórmula 1
Zhou Guanyu started his career at Fórmula 1 in 2022, with the Alfa Romeo team, which later became Ele scored points in several races, demonstrating consistency on different tracks. Sua best position was an eighth place in the Grande Prêmio of the 2022 Canadá.
During three seasons as a starter, the Chinese driver faced technical challenges from the Swiss team, but maintained solid performance in classifications. Ele finished the 2024 championship without renewing his starting position, moving to the reserve role at Ferrari. Lá, participated in simulator sessions and tests with previous cars.
- Zhou’s main achievements before F1:
- Victories in Fórmula 2 and Fórmula 3 Europeia.
- Title in the Fórmula 3 Asiática with poles and triumphs.
- Experience in youth categories with support from development programs.
The transition to reserve at Cadillac allows Zhou to directly contribute to the development of the debut car.
Cadillac team structure for 2026
Cadillac joins Fórmula 1 supported by General Motors, occupying 11th place on the grid. The titular duo brings together Valtteri Bottas, with extensive experience at Mercedes, and Sergio Perez, coming from Red Bull. Ambos bring victories in Grandes Prêmios and knowledge of top teams.
American IndyCar driver Colton Herta acts as a test driver and competes in Fórmula 2 to accumulate super license points. Zhou Guanyu completes the squad as an official reserve, ready for substitutions or extra sessions. The team maintains a base at Silverstone and receives a power unit from Ferrari.
Graeme Lowdon, director of Cadillac and manager of Zhou, highlighted familiarity as a decisive factor. The Chinese pilot worked with Lowdon and Bottas in previous periods.
Statements about hiring
Zhou Guanyu expressed enthusiasm about the American project. Ele mentioned the reunion with known professionals as a return to a familiar environment. The driver emphasized his preparation to support the development of the car since pre-season testing.
Cadillac executives praised Zhou’s recent experience in Fórmula 1. Eles highlighted his teamwork ability and understanding of car evolution as essential qualities. The hiring reinforces the new entrant’s preparation for challenges in the category.
- Benefits highlighted by the team:
- Experience in 68 GPs as holder.
- Recent work on simulator and testing.
- Knowledge of Ferrari engines, used by Cadillac.
Importance of the Chinese market in Fórmula 1
The presence of Zhou Guanyu keeps China on the radar of Fórmula 1, a category seeking expansion in emerging markets. The Asian country has more than one billion inhabitants and a growing interest in motor sport. Liberty Media, holder of commercial rights, identifies the region as strategic for global growth.
Zhou represents the only Chinese driver in F1 history to date. Sua participation attracts attention from local fans and potential sponsors. The Cadillac gains additional visibility by including the pilot in its lineup.
Other teams are already exploring the Chinese market through events and partnerships. Grande Prêmio of China returns to the calendar in 2026, increasing regional relevance.
Preparation for the 2026 season
The Fórmula 1 begins pre-season testing in January, with sessions in Barcelona and Bahrein. Cadillac participates fully, using the period for final adjustments to the car. Zhou Guanyu has been part of the program since the beginning, contributing on the track and simulator.
The premiere takes place at Grande Prêmio of Austrália, in March, with an expanded calendar. The American team focuses on initial reliability, taking advantage of pilot experience. Bottas and Perez handle main races, while Zhou prepares eventual replacements.
Context of the entry of new teams
The arrival of Cadillac marks the first expansion of the grid since 2016. Approval came after negotiations with the FIA and existing teams. The project receives financial support from General Motors, ensuring initial stability.
Other applications have faced obstacles in recent years, but the American proposal has advanced. The technical partnership with Ferrari accelerates the development of the debut car.
Role of Reserves in Modern Fórmula 1
Reserve drivers have gained importance with the increase in races and technical demands. Eles participate in mandatory free training sessions and substitutions due to injuries or unforeseen events. Zhou Guanyu has recent experience in this role, held at Ferrari in 2025.
New teams especially depend on reserves for accelerated development. Cadillac directly benefits from Zhou’s knowledge of Ferrari power units.
The Chinese pilot maintains an intense simulator and physical preparation routine. Ele remains available for all stages of the championship.
2026 Home Calendar
The pre-season tests are divided into three blocks. Barcelona receives the first phase between January 26th and 30th. Bahrein hosts the final sessions in February, before traveling to Austrália.
Grande Prêmio of Melbourne opens the season on March 6th to 8th. China appears on the calendar in the early stages, offering an early opportunity for Zhou.
Cadillac plans full participation in all activities. The initial focus lies on data collection and reliability adjustments.
