F1 fans barely had time to process Ferrari’s farewell to Zhou Guanyu before another storyline lit up the paddock. A single cryptic image from Cadillac was enough to spark a wave of speculation on social media about the American brand’s plans ahead of its long-awaited F1 debut.
With Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas already confirmed as race drivers, attention has shifted to what comes next. That has led some fans to wonder whether Zhou could still be involved in the project in a different capacity.
Ferrari Says Goodbye as Zhou Guanyu Looks Ahead
The post itself was simple. It featured a close-up of a cat’s eye, the Cadillac logo, the number 24, and the date Jan. 5. No caption, and that was all it took to spark a fresh wave of speculation, especially given the timing and Zhou’s sudden availability.
Zhou’s name has remained in circulation since he lost his Sauber seat at the end of 2024. In 2025, he returned to familiar ground at Ferrari by taking on reserve duties alongside Antonio Giovinazzi. It was a low-key role but one that kept him firmly inside the F1 ecosystem.
That chapter has now closed, as Ferrari issued a public statement regarding the Chinese driver, who departs Maranello ahead of the 2026 season. At just 26, Zhou is far from ready to step away from F1, and he has made no secret of his desire to return to the grid.
Zhou is also a significant figure in the sport beyond pure performance. As China’s first full-time F1 driver, he opened doors in one of the world’s biggest markets. His calm approach, strong technical feedback, and steady race craft earned respect in the paddock, even if Sauber’s struggles limited his results.
Speaking late last year, Zhou admitted staying visible was key and explained that remaining in the paddock allows teams to understand him better, rather than judging him solely by results from a single environment.
Cadillac’s Tease and the Number That Got F1 Fans Talking
Cadillac’s social media post landed just after Ferrari confirmed Zhou’s departure, and fans immediately noticed the number 24 tucked into the corner of the image. That happens to be Zhou’s race number, and whether coincidence or clever misdirection, it was enough to light the fuse.
Cadillac has said nothing publicly, and that silence has only added to the curiosity. However, what is known is that the team plans to reveal its livery during a Super Bowl TV commercial on February 8, a bold move aimed at a global audience.
Team boss Dan Towriss has already described the Super Bowl reveal as an opportunity to introduce Cadillac on a stage that combines sport and entertainment. Now, a cryptic teaser feels very on brand.
Officially, Cadillac’s driver lineup is settled as Perez brings experience and race-winning pedigree, while Bottas offers technical depth and consistency. Colton Herta is expected to serve as a reserve driver while continuing his development, but that does not rule out additional reserve or simulator roles.
F1 Fans were quick to connect the dots as some suggested Zhou could provide extra security if development plans shift, “Good security in the case that Herta doesn’t develop how they expect.” While another fan wrote, “I’m pretty sure his manager and cadillac are correlated some way. this isn’t a shock.”
Another wrote, “Lowden has had something to do with the management side of Zhou for a few years I believe so makes sense.”
The truth will arrive soon enough as the revelation date is not far away, and whatever Cadillac reveals will be part of a much bigger picture as F1 prepares for a new era in 2026, but until then, Zhou’s name remains very much in the conversation, which is precisely where he wants to be.
