Cadillac’s preparations for their high-profile Formula 1 debut in 2026 have entered a new and far more intense phase, with the American manufacturer accelerating its technical and driver-related programmes. One of the most notable steps came with Sergio Perez completing an extensive run at Imola in a 2023-spec Ferrari SF-23, a key milestone for Cadillac as they continue building the structure of their future F1 operation. Although the test marked meaningful progress, the team still has several unresolved elements before they are fully ready for the grid.
Perez, who signed a multi-year contract to spearhead Cadillac’s debut alongside Valtteri Bottas, sampled the Ferrari machinery as part of a Testing of Previous Car programme. Because Cadillac do not yet have their own chassis to run and will rely on Ferrari power units in 2026, the collaboration with Maranello has become a central part of their early development strategy. Around 20 Cadillac personnel were present at Imola as Sergio Perez completed multiple runs and logged a best lap of 1:18.82, offering the American team valuable operational experience ahead of their 2026 arrival. Bottas was unable to participate due to continued commitments as Mercedes’ reserve driver.
Since signing with Cadillac in the summer, Sergio Perez has taken on a prominent role in helping the brand transition into the sport. His knowledge and race-winning pedigree have already been identified internally as crucial assets in establishing a competitive baseline once Cadillac enter F1. But while Cadillac have secured two of the most experienced drivers on the grid for their debut season, there is still one major piece missing from their structure: a reserve driver capable of stepping in at a moment’s notice.
Although young American star Colton Herta has joined Cadillac as a test driver and will graduate to Formula 2 in 2026, the team require a reserve with recent Formula 1 mileage and an active FIA superlicence. According to reports from Autosport Web, Cadillac have found this requirement difficult to meet, prompting internal discussions about exploring a more unconventional solution.
Sources close to Cadillac now suggest that Zhou Guanyu has emerged as the leading candidate to become the team’s dedicated 2026 Formula 1 reserve driver. Zhou, who competed in 68 Grands Prix for Sauber between 2022 and 2024 and currently serves as a reserve for Ferrari, fits Cadillac’s criteria better than any other available option. His combination of race experience, technical knowledge, and familiarity with modern F1 procedures reportedly places him at the very top of Cadillac’s shortlist.
Interestingly, Cadillac initially opted against signing Zhou as a full-time driver, preferring to build their 2026 line-up around Bottas and Perez. However, his depth of experience and proven adaptability now make him the most viable option for the reserve position. Autosport Web further notes that Cadillac may delay any public confirmation, as the American automotive giant is cautious about potential backlash from hiring a Chinese driver in such a prominent role within their motorsport programme.
Zhou’s candidacy also strengthens Cadillac’s technical integration with Ferrari. Because he is already embedded within the Italian team as a reserve for 2025, he will have direct familiarity with the Ferrari engine and gearbox packages that Cadillac will use in 2026. This creates a unique advantage: Zhou Guanyu would be one of the very few drivers on the market who genuinely understand the behaviour of the power unit that Cadillac will rely upon during their debut season.
Other options have already fallen through. Cadillac explored signing American prospect Jack Crawford, but the rising star has chosen to remain with Aston Martin as their long-term reserve behind Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Crawford is currently second in the 2025 Formula 2 standings and is considered one of the most promising young drivers in the sport, making his choice a setback for Cadillac’s reserve plans.
Zhou’s wider position within the driver market also plays into Cadillac’s favour. With Audi taking control of Sauber ahead of 2026, both Bottas and Zhou Guanyu were released from the line-up in favour of rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, despite Zhou Guanyu being responsible for the team’s only points finish in 2024. The Shanghai-born driver has therefore found himself in a unique situation: out of a race seat, but holding valuable experience that aligns perfectly with Cadillac’s technical direction.
Should Cadillac finalise the agreement, the Chinese driver could simultaneously serve as a reserve for Haas, another Ferrari-powered outfit, creating one of the most strategically aligned support roles on the 2026 grid. His knowledge of Ferrari’s power unit, gearbox, and operational systems would allow him to transition seamlessly between the teams if required.
As Cadillac continue piecing together their long-term structure, the potential signing of Zhou Guanyu underscores their intent to build a fully integrated, technically prepared operation ahead of their 2026 Formula 1 debut. While Perez and Bottas bring race-winning experience to the main line-up, adding Zhou to the programme could give Cadillac a uniquely informed backup option as they prepare for one of the sport’s most anticipated new entries.
Leave a Reply