Ferrari handed F1 driver switch warning as…read more
Ferrari have been issued a strong warning about the future of one of their key drivers, with a former Formula 1 race winner tipping him for a potential switch to a rival team. Zhou Guanyu, who lost his seat at Sauber at the end of last season, currently serves as a reserve driver for Ferrari, sitting behind star names Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. However, Zhou’s time with the Italian team may not be long-term, as he is now being heavily linked with a move elsewhere.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has backed Zhou for a race seat with the incoming Cadillac team for the 2026 season. Cadillac will be entering the grid that year, initially using Ferrari engines before General Motors develops its own power unit, expected to debut in 2029. Montoya believes Zhou’s experience working closely with Ferrari’s power units will make him an attractive candidate for the new American outfit.
Speaking to Instant Casino, Montoya shared his strong belief that Zhou will land a drive with Cadillac, stating, “I would put money on it.” He also suggested that Sergio Perez, currently racing with Red Bull, would be a good partner for Zhou at the new team. Montoya emphasized the value Zhou could bring, particularly his knowledge of Ferrari’s technology, which would be highly beneficial as Cadillac begins its journey in Formula 1.
Montoya dismissed the idea that Cadillac must prioritize hiring an American driver just for the sake of national pride. While some have suggested that IndyCar driver Colton Herta would be an ideal choice due to his American roots and racing pedigree, Montoya was skeptical. He expressed concerns that the transition from IndyCar to Formula 1 would be far more difficult than Herta or others might anticipate.
“Herta certainly has the speed to compete,” Montoya admitted, “but moving from IndyCar to F1 would be such a massive change — not just in driving style but also in lifestyle, moving to Europe and adjusting to a completely different culture. It would be a huge shock.” He added that while Herta has the talent, the psychological and cultural challenges could severely impact his chances of succeeding in F1.
In Montoya’s view, Zhou Guanyu would be a far more logical and secure choice for Cadillac. Already integrated into the Ferrari system, Zhou is familiar with the team’s operations, technical setups, and the performance characteristics of their engines. With Cadillac set to rely on Ferrari power units for their initial years, Zhou’s insight and experience could prove crucial to the team’s development and early competitiveness.
With all this in mind, Ferrari might have to think carefully about Zhou’s future within their structure. Losing him to a potential rival could not only weaken their reserve bench but also strengthen a newcomer team looking to make an immediate impact in Formula 1.
