Cadillac Hints at Zhou Guanyu as 2026 Reserve Driver in Cryptic Post

Cadillac dropped a major hint that Zhou Guanyu is set to become their official reserve driver for the 2026 F1 season. The team posted a cryptic image on social media featuring Zhou's race number, 24, alongside a Cadillac logo and a date for a future announcement. This move comes shortly after Zhou parted ways with Ferrari, where he served as a reserve driver throughout the 2025 season.

Why it matters:

For an inaugural team like Cadillac, having an experienced and readily available reserve driver is a non-negotiable part of their operational readiness. For Zhou, the role keeps him firmly inside the Formula 1 paddock, providing a crucial platform to stay sharp and pursue his ultimate goal of returning to a full-time race seat. The move is also a logical step, given that Cadillac Team Principal Graeme Lowdon also serves as Zhou's manager.

The details:

• The Social Media Clue: Cadillac’s post featured a close-up of a cat’s eye with the number 24, Zhou’s official race number during his time at Sauber. The image included a Cadillac logo and the caption, “Reflections of the future,” teasing an announcement for this coming Monday.
• Cadillac’s Driver Lineup: The American outfit has already confirmed its race drivers for 2026 as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. IndyCar star Colton Herta was named as a third driver, but he lacks the required F1 superlicense, creating a clear need for an experienced official reserve.
• Zhou’s F1 Pedigree: After making 68 grand prix starts with Sauber, Zhou brings valuable recent F1 experience. In 2025, he served as a reserve for Ferrari, participating in several Testing of Previous Car (TPC) sessions to stay familiar with current machinery.
• Staying in the Game: Zhou has been open about his ambition to return to a full-time drive, emphasizing the importance of working with different teams to showcase his abilities. He believes that letting the whole paddock understand his capabilities is key to unlocking future opportunities.

What's next:

An official announcement from Cadillac confirming Zhou’s role is expected imminently. This position provides Zhou with a vital foothold in F1, positioning him as a prime candidate to step in if a race seat becomes available in 2026 or to compete for a full-time drive in 2027. For Cadillac, securing a driver of Zhou’s caliber adds a layer of professional security and experience as they prepare for their highly anticipated debut on the grid.