Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Stake F1 Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu (24) arrives before practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Zhou Guanyu Joins Checo Perez Among Potential Candidates for the 2026 Cadillac Lineup!

Is Cadillac's first driver lineup ready to race in 2025?

Nov 21, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Stake F1 Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu (24) arrives before practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Zhou Guanyu found himself out of Formula 1 in 2026. He made his debut with Alfa Romeo/ Sauber in 2022. Guanyu could not make a lasting impression on the grid during his time at Sauber. The Chinese driver was unable to claim points. He had some moments of brilliance. But, his performance was mostly bottlenecked due to the slow Sauber cars.

In 2025, Sauber chose not to keep Zhou Guanyu with their team. He was released in favour of Formula 2 champion, Gabriel Bortoleto. As a candidate from Ferrari Driver Academy- Guanyu became a reserve driver for the Maranello outfit this year.

IT'S POINTS FOR ZHOU GUANYU!! 🙌#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/brGlkXk1YA
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2024

Ever since, Formula 1 has confirmed the entry of Cadillac, there has been a mayhem in the paddock. The driver market is still fresh many talented drivers and rookies. The Cadillac F1 Team is also promising a strong start to F1 with high ambitions. The F1 experts and fans are speculating various driver combinations that may appeal to Cadillac next year.

As a former Formula 1 driver and Ferrari Driver Academy graduate, Zhou Guanyu is also a part of the list.

New Rumors Confirm Cadillac’s Intentions to Choose Zhou Guanyu and Sergio Perez

Sergio Perez has become the must-choose driver for the newest team at this point. The Mexican was also seen at the livery launch in Miami last week for Cadillac F1 team. There are numerous reports which suggest that he is Cadillac’s first choice. There are also chances of a potential contract announcement soon.

Stepping aside from Cadillac’s Intentions for an American lineup- Zhou Guanyu is also a good choice. Cadillac will use Ferrari engines for four years. GM are going to join the grid as power unit manufacturers in 2029.

Cadillac not in a rush to announce F1 driver line-up amid Mick Schumacher link:

— Cadillac has confirmed it is taking a patient approach to selecting drivers for its 2026 Formula 1 debut, with names like Mick Schumacher and Sergio Perez reportedly in contention. Team executives… pic.twitter.com/gaJKgWK4g7
— This is Formula 1 (@ThisIsFormu1a1) May 12, 2025

Untill then, Cadillac F1 can use his expertise and previous experience with Ferrari engines to their advantage. Guanyu was also among the better drivers of the grid even though he did not have a good car.

All rumors and speculations point towards one highly probable driver pairing. The chances of Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu joining Cadillac in 2026 are sky-rocketing in the paddock.

Cadillac’s advisor Mario Andretti is also revealing details about his team’s plans. He has confirmed that Perez is their priority. Andretti went a step further to narrow down the number of candidates to three. He has not revealed tbe names of these drivers but he has said they have previous experience and are fresh in the market.

Cadillac F1

Formula 1

Formula 1 2026

Mario Andretti

Sergio Perez

Zhou Guanyu

Rohan Singh

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.