Chou Guanyu has joined Cadillac’s new F1 group as its official reserve driver forward of its debut season.
Cadillac’s race driver lineup consists of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, whereas Colton Herta is a check driver however can not function a reserve as he at present doesn’t have the required FIA Tremendous License factors to race. This leaves room for an skilled reserve possibility, with Chou not too long ago signed after leaving Ferrari.
Zhou raced for Sauber beneath the title Alfa Romeo and Stakes from 2022 to 2024, and was a reserve for Ferrari in 2025. Throughout his time at Sauber, Zhou was teammates with Bottas and the 2 developed a powerful relationship, usually driving uncompetitive automobiles, whereas Cadillac group principal Graham Loudon can be a part of the Chinese language driver’s administration group.
“I’m blissful to be becoming a member of the Cadillac F1 Group as their reserve driver forward of their F1 debut,” stated Chou. “This is among the greatest and most enjoyable new tasks within the historical past of our sport.
“I’ve labored with each Graham and Valtteri in varied capacities through the years, so becoming a member of the group looks like coming again to the household. Having not too long ago gained expertise on the monitor and creating automobiles off the monitor, I’m assured that I can convey nice worth to the Cadillac F1 Group and I sit up for supporting them in one of the simplest ways attainable.”
On January 2nd, Ferrari posted on social media about Chou Guanyu’s departure from the group, saying, “We want to thank Chou Guanyu for his dedication and contribution as Ferrari Reserve Driver this season! We want him one of the best of luck sooner or later.”
Loudon stated Cadillac spent numerous time contemplating including Zhou due to the significance of getting an skilled reserve possibility.
“The method of choosing a reserve driver is as thorough because the seek for a race driver,” he stated. “We had been searching for a candidate with latest F1 driving expertise, who’s prepared to work laborious as a part of a group and who understands the challenges of creating a automotive all through the season. Zhou matches the invoice completely. He shall be a fantastic asset to us as we head into the 2026 race and we sit up for him turning into an integral a part of our group.”
