Cadillac's Cryptic Post Fuels Guanyu Zhou Speculation
A cryptic social media post from Cadillac featuring the number 24 has fueled speculation that Guanyu Zhou, who recently left Ferrari, is joining the new American F1 team.
Cadillac F1 has sparked intense speculation with a cryptic social media post hinting at a new driver announcement. The teaser, featuring the number 24, closely follows news that Guanyu Zhou has left his reserve driver role at Ferrari—Cadillac's future engine supplier—strongly suggesting a link between the two events.
Why it matters:
As a high-profile new entrant set to join the grid in 2026, Cadillac's every move is under scrutiny. Building a strong driver lineup, including experienced reserves, is crucial for establishing a competitive foundation. Adding a driver like Zhou, who has recent F1 race experience and familiarity with their future Ferrari power units, would be a strategic move for the American team.
The details:
- The teaser image shows a close-up of a cat's eye with the number 24 and the Cadillac logo subtly placed within the reflection.
- The post's caption, "Reflections of the future," and a date hinting at a January 5 announcement have fans dissecting every detail.
- This comes just after Guanyu Zhou confirmed his departure from Ferrari, where he was a reserve driver. Zhou famously used the number 24 during his time as a full-time driver with Alfa Romeo/Sauber.
- Cadillac has already announced its 2026 race drivers as Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, with Colton Herta signed as a reserve driver. This suggests Zhou could be joining as an additional reserve or simulator driver, adding valuable F1 experience to the roster.
What's next:
All eyes are on Cadillac's official channels for the January 5 announcement. Confirming Zhou's addition would signal that the American outfit is focused on building depth and experience behind its primary driver lineup, a wise strategy for a new team navigating the complexities of its debut season.