Now that it’s official that Cadillac will join the Formula 1 grid as the eleventh team in 2026, speculation has begun about which two drivers will represent the American racing team. Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon sees Zhou Guanyu as a serious candidate, but points out that there are more contenders. “We are busy with discussions,” he says.
Zhou Guanyu’s main asset is his close relationship with Cadillac team boss Graeme Lowdon: he is the manager of the former Sauber driver. This season, the former Sauber driver also serves as a reserve driver for Ferrari, Cadillac’s engine supplier. Lowdon confirms that the Chinese driver is a serious candidate for one of the seats at the American racing team. “I think Zhou has done exceptionally well under difficult circumstances. What makes it useful for me is that he doesn’t have to explain his qualities, because I’ve been able to see all of that up close.”
However, according to Lowdon, Guanyu should not expect preferential treatment. “A fair assessment will be made. We will select drivers based on merit. There are many good drivers available, and Zhou is one of them,” he emphasizes.
Future Prospects
Cadillac advisor Mario Andretti has repeatedly hinted that he wants to start the team’s debut in Formula 1 with an American and experienced driver. “Experience is important, just like with the rest of our team,” Lowdon acknowledges. “Many factors come into play when choosing a driver: talent, experience, and future prospects. We are now analyzing what is best for the team,” he shares.
The last American in Formula 1 was Logan Sargeant at Williams. No discussions were held with him. His stint with the British racing team was not successful, leading his employer to sideline him prematurely. Nevertheless, Lowdon supports Andretti in Cadillac’s ambition to attract an American driver. According to him, there are plenty of other options that could present themselves in the future. “The fact that someone is American does not mean they cannot be a good Formula 1 driver. We plan to set up an academy program, and I see no reason why we wouldn’t have American drivers on our team in the future, as long as they prove they deserve it based on performance.”
Phone Ringing Off the Hook
Last week, the FOM and the FIA announced that Cadillac is officially allowed to join the premier class of motorsport, meaning the team must act quickly to determine their driver duo for 2026. “Our situation as a new team makes it a bit more complicated. Normally, the timelines for contract negotiations are fairly fixed, but we are behind that usual cycle,” Lowdon also acknowledges.
The Brit seems to be unworried for now and is confident that everything will eventually work out. “There are at least half a dozen, if not more, candidates who have excellent qualifications to drive in Formula 1 or return. We are busy with discussions. My phone is ringing off the hook, that’s for sure.”
