Zhou Guanyu has been introduced as a Cadillac System 1 reserve driver for the 2026 season simply three days after his Ferrari exit was revealed.
The 26-year-old spent the 2025 marketing campaign in a reserve position for the Scuderia, however has left the staff for a brand new problem with F1’s newest outfit, which is about to make its debut this season.
It’s going to see Zhou be a part of forces with Cadillac staff principal Graeme Lowdon, who can be a part of the Chinese language driver’s administration staff and there was speak of him turning into one in all its foremost racers.
Cadillac as a substitute opted for grand prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, the latter having been Zhou’s Sauber team-mate for 3 seasons earlier than each had been dropped on the finish of 2024.
“I’m delighted to hitch the Cadillac System 1 Group as a reserve driver forward of its System 1 debut,” stated Zhou, who scored 16 factors throughout his three years in F1.
“This is likely one of the largest and most enjoyable new initiatives that the game has ever seen. I’ve labored with each Graeme and Valtteri for a few years in varied capacities, so becoming a member of the staff appears like rejoining household.
Valtteri Bottas, Stake F1 Group Kick Sauber, Zhou Guanyu, Stake F1 Group Kick Sauber
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Pictures
“Having had current expertise on monitor and in creating the vehicles off monitor, I do know I can add big worth to the Cadillac System 1 Group, and I’m wanting ahead to supporting them one of the simplest ways that I can.”
Zhou is becoming a member of a gaggle supporting Perez and Bottas, with ex-IndyCar star Colton Herta in a test role and Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood all as simulator drivers.
Though Herta is seen as the person with potential to be promoted into the full-time F1 line-up, the 25-year-old doesn’t but have a superlicence so Zhou is the ready-made alternative ought to Perez or Bottas not be capable to race.
“Our course of for choosing a reserve driver has been as thorough because the seek for our race drivers,” stated Lowdon, who was beforehand the boss of the now defunct Virgin (2010-11) and Marussia (2012-15) F1 groups.
“We wished a candidate who had current F1 driving expertise, is ready to work laborious as a part of a staff and understands the challenges of creating a automotive all through the season.
“Zhou suits the invoice completely. He shall be an excellent asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we stay up for him being an integral a part of our staff.”
The 2026 marketing campaign will begin with three pre-season exams (Barcelona on 26-30 January and Bahrain on 11-13 February and 18-20 February) earlier than the Melbourne opener on 6-8 March.
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