Cadillac has snagged driver Guanyu Zhou! The 26-year-old Chinese racer is set to take on the role of test and reserve driver for the American team’s new Formula 1 venture. This move comes hot on the heels of his departure from Ferrari, where he held the same position last season. Zhou raced for Sauber from 2022 to 2024, gaining invaluable experience alongside Valtteri Bottas, who is making his comeback with Cadillac this year.
With Guanyu Zhou on board, Cadillac is bringing in direct Formula 1 experience. The Chinese driver has competed in 68 Grands Prix for Sauber, racking up 16 championship points. His standout performances include an eighth-place finish at the 2022 Canadian GP and another eighth-place finish at the 2024 Qatar GP. After that season, both Zhou and Bottas lost their seats to Nico Hülkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto.
‘Feels Like Coming Home’
A key factor in this partnership is the strong bond between Guanyu Zhou and Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon, who has acted as his manager for several years. With Zhou, Cadillac gains a reserve driver with top-tier experience. Co-test driver Colton Herta, who is being prepped behind the scenes for his Formula 1 debut, currently only boasts IndyCar experience. At Cadillac, Guanyu Zhou will be reunited with his former Sauber teammate Bottas, who will form the main lineup alongside Sergio Pérez next season.
Guanyu Zhou Joins Cadillac as Reserve Driver Ahead of F1 Debut
“I’m incredibly happy to join Cadillac as a reserve driver ahead of their Formula 1 debut,” exclaimed Guanyu Zhou in an official press release. “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects the sport has ever seen.”
The Chinese driver emphasized the familiarity of the collaboration. “I’ve worked with both Graeme and Valtteri in various roles for years, so this feels like coming home.”
Zhou is eager to make a significant impact. “With my experience on the track and in car development, I know I can add value to Cadillac. I look forward to supporting the team in every way possible.”
