Zhou Guanyu has been confirmed as a Cadillac Components 1 reserve driver for the 2026 season simply three days after his Ferrari exit was introduced.
The 26-year-old spent the 2025 marketing campaign in a reserve position for the Scuderia, however has left the group for a brand new problem with F1’s newest outfit, which is about to make its debut this season.
It should see Zhou be a part of forces with Cadillac group principal Graeme Lowdon, who can be a part of the Chinese language driver’s administration group and there was discuss of him changing into certainly one of its essential racers.
Cadillac as an alternative 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 affix the Cadillac Components 1 Group as a reserve driver forward of its Components 1 debut,” mentioned Zhou, who scored 16 factors throughout his three years in F1.
“This is without doubt 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 numerous capacities, so becoming a member of the group 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 latest expertise on monitor and in creating the vehicles off monitor, I do know I can add big worth to the Cadillac Components 1 Group, and I’m wanting ahead to supporting them one of the simplest ways that I can.”
Zhou joins a gaggle of drivers supporting Perez and Bottas behind the scenes, with ex-IndyCar star Colton Herta in a take a look at position 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 substitute ought to Perez or Bottas not have the ability to race.
“Our course of for choosing a reserve driver has been as thorough because the seek for our race drivers,” mentioned 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 latest F1 driving expertise, is ready to work onerous as a part of a group and understands the challenges of creating a automotive all through the season.
“Zhou suits the invoice completely. He will likely be an awesome asset to us as we go racing in 2026 and we stay up for him being an integral a part of our group.”
The 2026 marketing campaign will begin with three pre-season checks (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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