Cadillac F1 boss: Zhou Guanyu did ‘exceptionally good job’ for Sauber, 2026 role possible
Team principal Graeme Lowdon says GM-backed outfit has list of potential drivers for debut season, including China’s first F1 star
Zhou Guanyu did an “exceptionally good job in difficult circumstances” for Sauber last season, the head of the Cadillac team set to debut in Formula One in 2026 said on Monday.
And team principal Graeme Lowdon said the 25-year-old Chinese driver, who he has helped manage, was on a list of potential candidates for a seat with the General Motors-backed outfit.
Cadillac secured final approval last week for their entry as the sport’s 11th team on the grid, signalling a start to discussions about the future line-up.
After losing his ride with Sauber at the end of the 2025 championship, Zhou is now a reserve driver with Ferrari, Cadillac’s initial engine partner, but has always said he would look to return to the grid next year.
As well as Zhou, other names in frame include Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez and Mick Schumacher, while American IndyCar star Colton Herta is regularly mentioned. Lowdon said any decision would be made on merit.
“I think Zhou’s done an exceptionally good job under difficult circumstances over the last couple of years,” Lowdon told reporters on a video call. “He doesn’t necessarily need to explain the background of his abilities because I’ve had a front-row seat to see all that.