F1 | Another Cadillac driver will drive a Ferrari: where, when and which car
Cadillac drivers are back in the spotlight with Ferrari once again: after Sergio Perez, it is now Valtteri Bottas who will drive a Ferrari Formula 1 car.
Cadillac and Ferrari together again. Following Sergio Perez, it will be Valtteri Bottas who gets the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car from the Prancing Horse. Just one month ago, during a test session at Imola, the Mexican driver took to the track in a completely black SF-23 in order to prepare as thoroughly as possible for the American team’s debut in the Formula 1 Circus. In March, however, it will be the Finnish driver’s turn, this time behind the wheel of a historic single-seater.
The 2026 Formula 1 season will officially begin on 8 March with the Australian Grand Prix. The race in Melbourne will provide the first real indications of the new generation of cars, while also offering an initial snapshot of the competitive order on track. One week earlier, however, Valtteri Bottas will already be in action in Adelaide, taking part in the Motorsport Festival scheduled to run from 28 February to 1 March.
Valtteri Bottas will drive a Ferrari 156/85, the red car that competed in the 1985 Formula 1 World Championship. The car was initially entrusted to Michele Alboreto and René Arnoux, although the Frenchman only contested the opening race of the season in Brazil. He was later replaced by Stefan Johansson, who will join Valtteri Bottas alongside the very same Ferrari 156/85 for this special appearance.
Cadillac confirms another reserve driver
In recent days, an important announcement has arrived from Cadillac. The American team has confirmed the signing of Zhou Guanyu, the Chinese driver formerly with Alfa Romeo–Sauber and Ferrari. After spending a year in Maranello, once again in the role of third driver, the Shanghai-born racer will now serve as a reserve for the eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid. He will share reserve duties with Colton Herta, who will also be competing in Formula 2.
Zhou Guanyu’s objective is clear: to secure a promotion as soon as possible and return to the Formula 1 grid as a full-time race driver. Overtaking the two current lead drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, will be difficult in the short term. The American outfit is relying on the experience of the two veterans to build a competitive foundation, using Ferrari power units while awaiting the arrival of General Motors engines in the future.
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