Zhou hoping for F1 comeback with Cadillac in 2026

40

Ferrari reserve Zhou Guanyu has set his sights on a return to the F1 grid in 2026 with Cadillac, the American team set to join the championship next season.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on Thursday, Zhou expressed optimism about the opportunities the new outfit could bring, while acknowledging the cutthroat nature of the sport.

Cadillac, backed by General Motors, will become F1’s 11th team in 2026 after gaining formal approval from the FIA and the sport’s commercial rights holders earlier this month.

For Zhou, who lost his race seat with Sauber at the end of last season, the team’s arrival offers a lifeline.

“I'm first of all very happy that a new team is joining F1... as it's a pity there's no seat available to me... the addition of a new team means there will be two new seats to compete for,” he told reporters in Shanghai according to Reuters.

A Brutal Sport and New Opportunities

The 25-year-old Shanghai native, who made history as China’s first F1 driver, didn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the driver market.

“There are many new players, and F1 is a very brutal sport. If you don't show your skills and mental toughness within a short period of time, it's easy to be eliminated,” he said.

“I will definitely wait for any opportunities.”

Read also: Cadillac F1 boss eyes American driver for 2026 – if merit allows

A return to the grid by Zhou would be a significant boost for F1 and its owner, Liberty Media, who view China as a critical growth area.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has even hinted at the possibility of China hosting two races in the future, underscoring the country’s strategic importance.

No Guarantees Despite Connections

Cadillac has tapped Briton Graeme Lowdon to spearhead the team, a figure tied to Zhou’s management. However, Zhou was quick to dispel assumptions of an inside track.

“I'm really happy, of course, that Graeme is the principal of Cadillac, but that doesn’t mean I’m definitely linked with the team because, at the end of the day, the overall decision is taken by different people,” he clarified.

Zhou Guanyu with Graeme Lowdon.

For now, Zhou is keeping his focus on his current role. “I’m just doing my thing with Ferrari and trying to focus on the job here and when there’s a chance I’m always going to be fully committed to it,” he added.

As Cadillac prepares to enter the fray, Zhou’s blend of experience and market appeal could make him a compelling candidate.

Yet, in a sport where timing and performance are everything, he knows the road back won’t be easy. For now, he waits—ready to pounce when the grid expands in 2026.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.