Why moving to Cadillac F1 feels like going home for Zhou Guanyu

Zhou Guanyu has described his move to Cadillac F1 as a reserve driver in 2026 as "rejoining family", ruining with his former Sauber team-mate Valtteri Bottas and his long-time manager Graeme Lowdon.

It was confirmed on 5 January that the Chinese driver had signed with the American outfit for 2026 after a year-long stint in the same role at Ferrari in 2025. Zhou made his F1 debut in 2022 with Alfa Romeo/Sauber alongside Bottas, where he drove with the Finnish driver for three years.

"We spoke a lot," Zhou said about Bottas during an interview with F1.com. "We spent a lot of time [together], even when we were in different teams over the course of last year, so the three years I spent [in F1 were] really together with Valtteri."

Zhou was thought to be in contention for a full-time seat at Cadillac, which is set for its debut in 2026 as F1's 11th team, due to his links with Lowdon. The team principal has been Zhou's manager for several years. But he was ultimately signed as a reserve driver while Bottas is set to drive alongside former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez.

"But at the same time I always worked together with Graeme, and that's really what brings me the high trust over this project. I haven't worked with Checo before – I know he's a great driver," Zhou added.

"But the three of us were always very honest people, and also we're very transparent with what's going on behind the scenes. So when you come into a massive chapter change over the rules, that's what you really need.

"You need a team that can drive forward all together, rather than just focusing on an individual side of the garage for the, let's say, single benefits and results. All that is really important.

Zhou Guanyu, Ferrari

Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images

"And as well, it’s a new team, so it just puts extra energy on it because you start from scratch. For me, it's also a brand-new experience I’ve never been [in] before. I’m excited for what's coming ahead, and looking forward to going back in the Charlotte factory, spend some simulator time, and also at Silverstone with all the engineers."

Cadillac will be using Ferrari power units from its debut until it becomes a works team, which it aims to do by 2029. This is another area where Zhou feels comfortable, having only ever raced in the championship with Ferrari power units.

"Since this new era of Formula 1 introduced in 2022, I was only driving with Ferrari engines, which I got really used to, and also while I was testing development for Ferrari last season, I was also trying their 2026 engines, so all these things come into play together,” he explained.

"I have a very precise idea and a feeling with feedback on how the engine, power unit, gearbox, everything works, and also the hydraulic system. When you change from engine to engine, that's also one of the biggest things you need to adapt as a driver, because the way you downshift, the way you drive, the driving style, it's going to be changing.

"You need to adapt, which, for me, I will be already up to date. I'm looking forward to seeing what is the biggest difference this year, because it's going to be a big change. Even though we are a Ferrari power unit, I think every single manufacturer is going to develop over the years, so that's going to be very important.

"I think this year is not about who can start on top; it's all about, throughout the season, who can put the most efficient hours in terms of wind tunnel development and to have the most efficient benefits on the aerodynamics or improvements throughout the season.

"So that's what I’m looking forward to, and also I don't feel that I'm joining somewhere where everything I need to adapt to. I have the people I worked with, the engine the same and also, like I've mentioned, many staff and engineers I worked with over the course of the years. Everything just feels already like I’m familiar with everyone."