Zhou Guanyu is focused on regaining a Formula 1 seat in 2026 and has expressed interest in the new Cadillac outfit joining the grid.
Guanyu was recently dropped by Sauber for Formula 2 title-winner Gabriel Bortoleto after a season plagued by an uncompetitive car.
Zhou scored the Swiss-based team’s only points of the season with eighth in the Qatar Grand Prix, but that was all too late having come after confirmation Bortoleto had claimed his drive for next year.
During the Qatar GP press conference, Guanyu shared that he is fully focused on finding a full-time F1 seat in 2026, expressing interest in Cadillac.
“I’m fully aware of, you know, that GM and Cadillac joined the grid,” he said.
“I think it’s very good for the sport in general because a lot of people are always talking about having probably not enough seats for the young drivers available.
“Clearly, I think we have a lot of young drivers for next year. And then, I think from my position, it’s a great opportunity and a great chance for next season that I’m not having a seat.
“So I can probably think about what the future will be and try to have an opportunity there.”
Graeme Lowdon: Zhou’s manager and Cadillac’s Team Principal
Although Guanyu is out of an F1 seat for next season, he has a potential ‘in’ with Cadillac through his manager.
The former Marussia Sporting Director, Graeme Lowdon, has been appointed as the Team Principal of the Cadillac F1 project.
Cadillac has also signed a customer engine deal with Ferrari for 2026 and ’27 and speculation links Zhou with a reserve driver role at the Scuderia next year.
So, the pieces could be falling nicely into place for Zhou to land a drive at Cadillac.
In the meantime, Zhou stated his “priority is trying to, like I always said, having another chance of coming back on the grid.
“So for me, I don’t really have where I go, but if there’s a chance to grab, I will absolutely take it. So let’s see how the future is.”
In addition to waiting for another seat on the grid to open up, Guanyu has chosen to avoid racing in another series in 2025.
“I kind of decided not to take another series,” he explained. “I feel like with so many doors that could be potentially open, not just during next year, but also the year after.
“I want to make sure if there’s a chance for me in case, you know, to be stepping back into seat for one race or not, I’ll be fully here to do so. So that’s very important.”
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