Cadillac F1 Confirmed Lewis Hamilton Replacement T... Read more 👇👇

Cadillac F1 Confirmed Lewis Hamilton Replacement T… Read more 👇👇

Cadillac’s long-awaited arrival on the Formula 1 grid is starting to feel very real and very serious. As the American manufacturer continues to shape its identity ahead of its 2026 debut, one signing in particular has caught the attention of the paddock: the addition of former Ferrari-affiliated driver Zhou Guanyu. While the move strengthens Cadillac’s foundations, it has also reignited wider conversations about Ferrari’s future and, inevitably, the question of who could one day replace Lewis Hamilton.

Zhou’s journey in F1 has been anything but ordinary. After racing full-time with Alfa Romeo (Sauber) between 2022 and 2024, the Chinese driver spent 2025 embedded within Ferrari’s ecosystem as a reserve and simulator driver. Working closely with the Scuderia gave Zhou valuable insight into top-tier operations, technical development, and race-weekend preparation experience that will be gold dust for a brand-new team like Cadillac.

For Cadillac, this isn’t a flashy headline grab it’s a calculated decision. With Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas already confirmed as race drivers, the team has opted for a strong supporting cast rather than raw hype. Zhou offers recent race experience, deep Ferrari knowledge, and a calm, analytical approach exactly what a new team needs when data, feedback, and development direction matter just as much as lap times.

But here’s where the story gets more interesting.

Zhou’s move has quietly reopened discussions about Ferrari’s long-term driver plans. Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster switch to Maranello sent shockwaves through the sport, but it also came with an unspoken reality: Ferrari are already thinking beyond the seven-time world champion. Whether Hamilton races for two seasons or five, the question of succession is unavoidable.

Some had wondered if Zhou could position himself as a future Ferrari option. His time within the team certainly helped his reputation, but Ferrari’s focus appears to be shifting toward youth particularly academy star Oliver Bearman, who impressed many during his recent outings. Still, Zhou’s experience keeps him in the broader conversation, especially as teams value drivers who understand Ferrari’s systems from the inside.

From a Cadillac perspective, the timing couldn’t be better. The team will initially run Ferrari power units before General Motors introduces its own engines later in the decade. Having someone like Zhou who knows how Ferrari thinks, works, and develops could prove invaluable during those early seasons when every decision shapes the future.

This signing also highlights Cadillac’s broader philosophy: blend experience with stability. Rather than gambling on rookies alone, they’re building a structure that allows the team to grow without unnecessary chaos. It’s a refreshingly mature approach for a newcomer.

As Formula 1 edges closer to its 2026 reset new rules, new engines, and a new team Cadillac’s moves suggest they’re not here to make up the numbers. And while Zhou Guanyu may not be Lewis Hamilton’s direct replacement at Ferrari, his name hovering around these discussions shows just how interconnected the modern F1 driver market has become.

One thing’s certain: Cadillac’s story is only just beginning and it’s already adding new layers to Formula 1’s ever-evolving narrative.