‘Many people’ in Formula 1 are now almost certain that 68-race driver will be signed by Cadillac for 2026

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F1 Oversteer sources believe that ‘many people’ in the Formula 1 paddock believe that Zhou Guanyu is being lined up to race for Cadillac next season.

Cadillac will be the 11th team on the grid for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season, after reaching an agreement with the FIA at the beginning of the year.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon has the responsibility of deciding which two drivers will lead Cadillac into their first season on the grid.

There are plenty of drivers currently outside of Formula 1 who are desperate for their chance to race at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Zhou Guanyu has 68 Grand Prix starts under his belt after three seasons racing for Alfa Romeo, now known as Sauber.

Although he only scored 16 points during his time on the grid alongside fellow Cadillac hopeful Valtteri Bottas, there are several reasons why a move for the Chinese driver makes sense for Lowdon’s outfit.

READ MORE: Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu’s life outside F1 from height to net worth

Zhou Guanyu seen as almost certain to be racing for Cadillac during the 2026 Formula 1 season

F1 Oversteer believes that many concerned parties in the paddock are starting to get worried about who Cadillac will choose for next season.

The halfway stage of the 2025 campaign has now been reached, but Lowdon doesn’t appear to be any closer to confirming either of his drivers for the upcoming campaign.

It’s expected that a lot of people in Formula 1 think Zhou is almost certain to be one of Cadillac’s drivers due to his relationship with Lowdon, who acts as his manager.

Zhou is said to have a good chance of playing a role in Cadillac’s team next year, but his desire to return to F1 as a race driver is clear to see.

He’s currently one of Ferrari’s reserve drivers, and that has an added benefit for the American outfit too.

Cadillac will use Ferrari power units next season, and Zhou will already have a strong understanding of the intricacies of their engines from his time working at Maranello and Fiorano this year.

READ MORE: All to know about General Motors’ Cadillac F1 team from engine to drivers

Which other drivers are being linked to Cadillac ahead of the 2026 F1 season?

Zhou and Bottas are just two of the drivers who have been linked with racing for Cadillac next year.

F1 Oversteer understands Frederik Vesti is on Cadillac’s radar after spending the last two seasons working behind the scenes at Mercedes as one of their reserve drivers.

Aston Martin reserve driver Felipe Drugovich is another option for Cadillac if they want a younger driver in their line-up.

The Brazilian’s lack of Formula 1 experience might count against him, but he’s very highly rated by many people in the paddock.

Sergio Perez is an option for Cadillac, with links to Alpine’s second seat quietening down in recent times.

Zhou will be relieved that one former F1 driver appears to have been ruled out of the conversation.

Lowdon has ruled out a move for Daniel Ricciardo as the Australian appears to have no interest in making a return to the sport.

The Chinese driver is very quick and offers Ferrari expertise and sponsorship, and marketing opportunities that make him a very strong contender for F1’s newest team.