Cadillac F1’s Shocking Move: Ferrari Reserve Driver Zhou Guanyu Could Secure Second Seat Alongside Sergio Perez
The Formula 1 world is abuzz with rumors surrounding Cadillac F1’s potential lineup for their debut season in 2026. While Sergio Perez is reportedly in advanced talks with the American team, speculation is rife about who will claim the coveted second seat alongside the former Red Bull driver.
Renowned former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has made a bold prediction, stating that he would “bet you money” on Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu landing the seat. With Cadillac officially joining the F1 grid, the anticipation is building to see which drivers will don the American team’s colors on the track.
Mario Andretti, the 1978 World Champion and advisor to Cadillac F1, has hinted at Perez being a strong contender for one of the seats. Speaking on the ESPN Racing podcast, Andretti expressed his support for Perez, acknowledging the impressive performance of Liam Lawson in comparison.
While talks between Perez and Cadillac F1 are reportedly progressing well, no official contract has been signed yet, with financial details still being negotiated. The British newspaper, The Times, has reported on Perez’s advanced discussions with the team, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding Cadillac’s driver lineup.
Despite the competition from drivers like Valtteri Bottas and IndyCar star Colton Herta, Montoya believes that Zhou Guanyu has the edge in securing the second seat at Cadillac. Zhou, who currently serves as Ferrari’s reserve driver, could benefit from the team’s planned use of Ferrari power units in the initial years of their F1 venture.
Montoya cautioned against selecting Herta for the F1 seat, citing concerns about the challenging transition from IndyCar to Formula 1. While acknowledging Herta’s speed, Montoya emphasized the significant adjustments and cultural shifts involved in making such a move.
Andretti hinted at Cadillac narrowing down their options to three potential drivers – Perez, Bottas, and Zhou. While refraining from revealing the final decision, Andretti emphasized the importance of keeping the selection process confidential until an official announcement is made.
As the F1 community eagerly awaits Cadillac F1’s driver lineup revelation, the competition for the second seat continues to intensify. Will Ferrari’s reserve driver Zhou Guanyu secure the coveted spot alongside Sergio Perez, or will another contender swoop in to claim the opportunity of a lifetime on the prestigious F1 grid? Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling development in the world of motorsport.
