Absent from the grid since the end of his stint at Sauber two years ago, Guanyu Zhou is preparing to get back behind the wheel with Cadillac F1 during the Pirelli tire tests held in Barcelona.
Read more Max Verstappen’s dream of victory cruelly collapses at the Nürburgring
A first concrete opportunity for the Chinese driver to discover the MAC-26 on track after several months of intensive work in the simulator.
The other tester Colton Herta will be in action during FP1 of the Spanish Grand Prix, a few days earlier, as he meets the criteria defining young drivers (fewer than two F1 starts).
More motivated than ever
Even though his chances of securing a full-time seat in the short term remain limited, this session represents an important step to convince Cadillac of his potential and strengthen his position within the American team.
Cadillac has chosen Zhou as reserve driver for the 2026 season, with the mission to substitute for Sergio Perez or Valtteri Bottas if needed. The test organized by Pirelli will thus be his first laps with the team.
The team principal, Graeme Lowdon (pictured above with Zhou), expects to see his driver particularly motivated at the idea of finally taking the wheel in real conditions: “I know he will be eager to drive and finally discover the new car.”
Valuable experience
The Brit also highlights Zhou’s constant involvement since joining Cadillac, notably in simulation work and supporting engineers during race weekends.
Read more Adrian Newey considered a miscast to lead Aston Martin F1
“He spends a lot of time in the simulator and loves contributing to the team’s development,” the British executive says. “He is present at all the Grands Prix as a reserve, but also to help engineers analyze certain situations in real time. The return of an experienced driver is always valuable.”
Former manager of Zhou, Lowdon also assures that he would fully trust the Chinese driver in case a main driver is unavailable: “I’ve always said it: I have followed his entire Formula 1 career and I would have absolutely no problem putting him in the car if we encountered an issue with one of our main drivers. Of course, we hope not to have to get to that point.”
Waiting for BYD?
After a long period dedicated to the simulator, Zhou will finally discover the MAC-26 on track. An opportunity that Lowdon considers ideal to assess his level in a real context: “I think he will really enjoy this experience. This test will also allow us to see how he adapts to the car and I am convinced he will do a very good job.”
The Chinese driver is currently going through a second consecutive season without a full-time Formula 1 seat. After his contract was not renewed with Sauber, Zhou hoped to quickly find a place on the grid, notably thanks to his recent experience as a reserve driver for Ferrari.
But despite this visibility, no concrete opportunity has arisen so far, except this reserve role at Cadillac. In the medium term, Zhou can hope for an opening if the Chinese manufacturer BYD enters Formula 1, as is increasingly discussed.
His prospects of securing a seat within the American team remain relatively low. Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas both have long-term contracts, while Colton Herta already appears as one of the most credible candidates to join the team in the future, provided he obtains his FIA super license after his stint in Formula 2.
Read more Mercedes rather than Christian Horner future partner of Alpine F1? The debate rages on…