Zhou: I think I already know everyone at Cadillac.

      Guanyu Zhou, as could be expected, remains in the paddock, but now as a reserve driver for Cadillac F1, which was announced yesterday. The Chinese driver will work with Valtteri Bottas, his former Sauber teammate, Sergio Pérez and Colton Herta, who previously raced in IndyCar.

      In 2025 Zhou performed the same role at Ferrari, but Cadillac is a new team at the very start of its journey, so the tasks will now be different. And the experience Guanyu gained in Formula 1 over the previous four seasons will come in very handy.

      "Most importantly, this new project really excites me," Zhou said in an interview with the championship's official website. "Besides, I know Graham Lowdon, Valtteri, and many of the engineers who are working at Cadillac F1, and I have watched the team's development throughout this year. I think it has a big future…

      "The team has set itself a specific goal and will try to achieve it over time — it will aim to become the best of the midfield, and then try to move even higher. That's what appeals to me.

      "On the other hand, I think last year the team saw what I was capable of, what role I played at Ferrari, and I think our cooperation will be mutually beneficial.

      "Although last year Valtteri and I were at different teams, we spoke a lot, so you could say that I spent all my previous F1 seasons alongside him. At the same time I have always worked with Graham (Lowdon — Zhou's manager), which is why I believe in this project. I haven't worked with Sergio before, but I know he's a great driver…

      "Cadillac is a new team, and this is the first time I'll be involved in a project like this — I haven't had that kind of experience before. I'm looking forward to a trip to the American base in Charlotte, where I'll be working on the simulator, and a visit to the British base in Silverstone, where all the engineers are based.

      "Since 2022 I've only driven cars powered by Ferrari engines and have really become used to them, and last season I also tested Ferrari's new technical solutions, including trying out their 2026 engines, so now all that experience will be useful.

      "In my opinion, to succeed this season it's not so important to start the championship well — it's more important to carry out wind-tunnel development as efficiently as possible throughout the season. I'm focused exactly on that, and I don't feel that I have to adapt to everything, because I know this engine, I've already worked with these people — I have a feeling that I'm already familiar with everyone in our team."