From Maranello to Cadillac? Zhou’s Next Move Takes Shape
Ferrari has officially ended its cooperation with Guanyu Zhou, who served as the Scuderia’s reserve driver last season alongside Antonio Giovinazzi. For the Chinese driver, this marked a year in Maranello following three seasons with Sauber.
The team thanked Zhou for his contribution and wished him well for the future. Shortly thereafter, reports in American media suggested that Zhou could join Cadillac F1 as a reserve and test driver.
Speculation was fuelled by a cryptic post published by the new team: a close-up image of a cat’s eye, the Cadillac logo, the date 5 January, and the caption “Reflection of the Future.” Fans noted what appeared to be the number 24 reflected in the image Zhou’s former race number and recalled his well-known fondness for cats.
Further context has strengthened the rumours. Zhou’s career has been managed by Graeme Lowdon, now the head of Cadillac F1, while the team is set to use Ferrari power units from 2026.
Although Cadillac already has an official reserve driver in Colton Herta, the American has no Formula 1 experience. By contrast, Zhou has competed in 68 Grands Prix, spent a year within Ferrari, and represents significant commercial value, particularly in the Chinese market.
Whether these clues amount to mere symbolism or point to an imminent announcement will become clear in the coming days, should Formula 1’s 11th team confirm a contract with Zhou.
