With F1 confirming Cadillac’s place on the 2026 grid, all eyes are on the team to form their driver line-up. The American outfit have no shortage of candidates to choose from, ranging from seasoned veterans to IndyCar driver.
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac team principal, has spoken candidly about his considerations for next season.
Among them are two drivers that LWOS have previously identified as contenders to join Cadillac – Zhou Guanyu and Colton Herta.
Cadillac extensive shortlist includes Zhou, Herta
Before his appointment as Cadillac team principal, Lowdon was a part of Zhou Guanyu’s management team.
Partly because of this, Zhou has been seen as a logical option for F1’s incoming entrant.
With three years of experience in the sport, the Chinese driver is a known quantity that Cadillac could rely on to deliver consistent performances.
His potential to attract sponsors is another important asset, particularly for a new team.
After signing a contract to become Ferrari’s latest reserve driver, Zhou will spend much of the year in the paddock – working to earn a 2026 contract.
The 25-year-old will not be alone, with former teammate Valtteri Bottas also active in the market.
Alongside the 10-time race winner, now a Mercedes reserve driver, other drivers are volunteering their services to Cadillac.
Considering that there are relatively limited slots available on the 2026 grid, Cadillac could be front and centre of driver negotiations this year.
Speaking to the media, Graeme Lowdon mentioned Zhou as an option for next year:
“I think Zhou’s done an exceptionally good job under difficult circumstances over the last couple of years.
“He doesn’t necessarily need to explain the background of his abilities because I’ve had a front-row seat to see all that.
“There’s the correct checks and balances in place so there’s no favouritism in any particular direction.”
Of course, Lowdon is referring to his time as Zhou’s manager, which obviously give him a unique relationship with the former Sauber driver.
Still, the Cadillac team principal makes no secret the 25-year-old is a logical option:
“There’s some really good ones out there, Zhou included.”
Why question marks surround Herta
The other driver frequently associated with the US outfit is Colton Herta.
Currently in IndyCar, the American has been associated with this F1 project since it was first conceived by the Andretti’s.
Inevitably, the issue of Herta’s SuperLicense means there is an obstacle to clear before he can be eligible to race in F1.
A lack of SuperLicense points actually prevented Herta from signing a contract with VCARB in the summer of 2022.
Still, Lowdon makes clear that the 24-year-old is a feasible option:
“We are going to be quite busy talking to a few people. My phone has certainly been busy, that’s for sure.
“There are easily half a dozen, if not more, candidates out there who offer extremely good credentials to be in Formula One or to be in Formula One again.
“He’s an incredibly talented driver [Colton Herta].
“So, for sure, it’s not shock news that we would be looking to consider Colton alongside a whole bunch of other drivers as well.”
