Zhou evaluating Ferrari's stability against Cadillac's opportunity.

      Both teams have offered the 25-year-old positions for 2026.

      Zhou Guanyu acknowledges that he is still uncertain about his place in the Formula 1 paddock for next season, as the interest from newcomer Cadillac complicates what initially seemed to be a straightforward continuation as Ferrari’s reserve driver. Reports from Japan’s as-web.jp indicate that both Ferrari and Cadillac have presented roles to the 25-year-old for 2026. Initially, there were suggestions that Zhou could represent both teams, partly because Cadillac F1 team principal Graham Lowdon has also served as his manager. Interestingly, Zhou mentioned that Lowdon "will no longer be my manager starting next year."

      Ferrari has made its position clear, with Frederic Vasseur wanting Zhou to be fully available at all times, just as he has been throughout 2025, participating in the simulator, attending all technical briefings, and ready to step in if either Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton cannot race after the practice sessions begin.

      "Forcing a driver change in the middle of a Grand Prix weekend is neither practical nor typically effective," Vasseur commented. "If we need a reserve driver from the start of FP1, that’s a different matter—in that scenario, we are likely to use Ollie (Bearman). However, once practice starts, Zhou will take the role."

      Continuing with Ferrari presents clear advantages for Zhou, while Cadillac could provide a long-term pathway back to a full-time racing position. Zhou expresses that he is "confident" about remaining in Formula 1 in 2026, but he is awaiting time to make a decision. He also suggested that his new manager will be "a very influential figure in the F1 paddock."