Zhou Guanyu has described his transfer to Cadillac F1 as a reserve driver in 2026 as “rejoining household”, ruining along with his former Sauber team-mate Valtteri Bottas and his long-time supervisor Graeme Lowdon.
It was confirmed on 5 January that the Chinese language driver had signed with the American outfit for 2026 after a year-long stint in the identical position at Ferrari in 2025. Zhou made his F1 debut in 2022 with Alfa Romeo/Sauber alongside Bottas, the place he drove with the Finnish driver for 3 years.
“We spoke lots,” Zhou stated about Bottas throughout an interview with F1.com. “We spent quite a lot of time [together], even once we have been in numerous groups over the course of final yr, so the three years I spent [in F1 were] actually along with Valtteri.”
Zhou was considered in competition for a full-time seat at Cadillac, which is ready for its debut in 2026 as F1’s eleventh group, resulting from his hyperlinks with Lowdon. The group principal has been Zhou’s supervisor for a number of years. However he was in the end signed as a reserve driver whereas Bottas is ready to drive alongside former Purple Bull driver Sergio Perez.
“However on the identical time I all the time labored along with Graeme, and that is actually what brings me the excessive belief over this undertaking. I have never labored with Checo earlier than – I do know he is an important driver,” Zhou added.
“However the three of us have been all the time very sincere folks, and likewise we’re very clear with what is going on on behind the scenes. So while you come into an enormous chapter change over the principles, that is what you really want.
“You want a group that may drive ahead all collectively, moderately than simply specializing in a person aspect of the storage for the, as an example, single advantages and outcomes. All that’s actually vital.
Zhou Guanyu, Ferrari
Photograph by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Photographs
“And as effectively, it’s a brand new group, so it simply places further power on it since you begin from scratch. For me, it is also a brand-new expertise I’ve by no means been [in] earlier than. I’m excited for what’s coming forward, and searching ahead to going again within the Charlotte manufacturing facility, spend some simulator time, and likewise at Silverstone with all of the engineers.”
Cadillac will likely be utilizing Ferrari energy models from its debut till it turns into a works group, which it goals to do by 2029. That is one other space the place Zhou feels snug, having solely ever raced within the championship with Ferrari energy models.
“Since this new period of System 1 launched in 2022, I used to be solely driving with Ferrari engines, which I received actually used to, and likewise whereas I used to be testing growth for Ferrari final season, I used to be additionally making an attempt their 2026 engines, so all these items come into play collectively,” he defined.
“I’ve a really exact concept and a sense with suggestions on how the engine, energy unit, gearbox, all the things works, and likewise the hydraulic system. Whenever you change from engine to engine, that is additionally one of many largest issues you want to adapt as a driver, as a result of the way in which you downshift, the way in which you drive, the driving model, it should be altering.
“You might want to adapt, which, for me, I will likely be already updated. I am trying ahead to seeing what’s the largest distinction this yr, as a result of it should be an enormous change. Although we’re a Ferrari energy unit, I believe each single producer goes to develop over time, in order that’s going to be essential.
“I believe this yr just isn’t about who can begin on high; it is all about, all through the season, who can put essentially the most environment friendly hours when it comes to wind tunnel growth and to have essentially the most environment friendly advantages on the aerodynamics or enhancements all through the season.
“So that is what I’m trying ahead to, and likewise I do not really feel that I am becoming a member of someplace the place all the things I must adapt to. I’ve the folks I labored with, the engine the identical and likewise, like I’ve talked about, many employees and engineers I labored with over the course of the years. The whole lot simply feels already like I’m acquainted with everybody.”
We wish your opinion!
What would you prefer to see on Motorsport.com?
– The Motorsport.com Group
