Cadillac Signs Zhou Guanyu as Ferrari's Hamilton Replacement Plan Surfaces
Cadillac signs former Ferrari driver Zhou Guanyu as a reserve, while Guenther Steiner touts Oliver Bearman as the 'obvious' replacement for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, setting the stage for a dynamic driver market.
Cadillac has bolstered its lineup for its F1 debut by signing former Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, while Guenther Steiner has identified Oliver Bearman as the "obvious candidate" to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari should the seven-time champion retire. These moves highlight the ongoing driver market shuffle as teams prepare for future seasons and potential vacancies.
Why it matters:
Driver lineups are the foundation of a team's competitive strategy, and these developments signal significant preparations for the future. Cadillac securing an experienced driver like Zhou provides valuable F1 insight for a new team, while Ferrari's potential succession plan for Hamilton shows they are already thinking long-term about their championship aspirations.
The details:
- Cadillac's New Addition: Zhou Guanyu joins Cadillac as a reserve driver for the 2026 season. The 26-year-old brings recent F1 experience, having raced for Alfa Romeo/Sauber from 2022 to 2023 and served as Ferrari's reserve driver last season.
- Ferrari's Succession Plan: Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes Oliver Bearman is the logical choice to replace Hamilton. The 20-year-old Ferrari Driver Academy member impressed during a substitute appearance for Ferrari in 2024 and had a strong rookie season with Haas in 2025.
- Red Bull's Newcomer Mindset: Isack Hadjar, promoted to Red Bull for 2026, downplayed his achievement, stating that simply signing for the team means nothing until he performs on track. The Frenchman is focused on proving his worth rather than getting caught up in the prestige of the seat.
- Perez Reflects on Red Bull: Sergio Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, opened up about his time there, saying "everything was a problem" and highlighting the immense pressure and scrutiny that comes with driving for a top team.
What's next:
The driver market remains fluid, with Hamilton's future at Ferrari being the biggest question mark. If he retires after 2025, all eyes will be on Bearman to step up. For Cadillac, Zhou's role will be crucial in developing the car and providing feedback as the American outfit prepares to join the grid.