Zhou, who is managed by Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon, said: “This is one of the biggest and most exciting new projects that the sport has ever seen.
“I have worked with both Graeme and Valtteri for many years in various capacities, so joining the team feels like rejoining family.”
Lowdon said: “We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season. Zhou fits the bill perfectly. He will be a great asset to us as we go racing in 2026.”
Cadillac will use Ferrari engines until their own F1 engine, designed at their in-house base at Charlotte in North Carolina, is ready. The company, which is part of US car giant General Motors, has committed to this being in 2029.