The Formula 2 season promises to be thrilling with the arrival of Zhou Guanyu at Cadillac alongside Colton Herta. Two young drivers with lofty ambitions, united by a common goal: to shine on the international stage. But between mutual support and underlying rivalry, how will this dynamic evolve?
A promising duo
By becoming a reserve driver at Cadillac, Zhou Guanyu joins a team that already boasts promising talents such as Frenchman Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi, Charlie Eastwood, and of course, American Colton Herta. The latter embarks on a new challenge in Formula 2 after making his mark in IndyCar, where he brilliantly finished as the world runner-up in 2023. A great comeback for Herta, who, after a stint in Europe, returns to the Old Continent with hopes of conquering this new category.
The return of a prodigy
Colton Herta is no stranger to the world of Formula 1. Long on Red Bull’s radar, he even had the opportunity to test a McLaren in 2022, but his dream of reaching F1 has been hindered by the lack of a Super License. This status still denies him a place in the premier discipline today, despite his connections with several teams. His move to Formula 2 represents a golden opportunity to prove he deserves his chance in the elite category.
Colton Herta in the MCL35M during his test days with McLaren in 2022.
Zhou as a mentor
With Zhou Guanyu by his side for his first season in Formula 2, Graeme Lowdon, director of Cadillac, hopes that the Chinese driver’s experience will be a major asset in supporting Herta. In 2021, Zhou already shone in this category, finishing third in the overall standings. Lowdon sees this collaboration as a great synergy: “Every promotion formula evolves from year to year, but some elements remain ingrained in the DNA of a particular category.”
A team dynamic
The relationship between Zhou and Herta could be compared to that of a former champion and his protégé. Zhou brings his experience and knowledge of the circuits, while Herta, eager to learn, is ready to take advantage of this advice. In a sport as competitive as Formula 1, every detail counts. Lowdon is convinced that this dynamic can be beneficial: “They are now teammates, and each wants the success of everyone within the team.”
A shared ambition
Despite their respective roles as reserve and development drivers, Zhou and Herta share a common ambition: to become full-time drivers in F1. Could this aspiration lead to rivalry? For Lowdon, there is no room for competition between them. “Zhou is the reserve driver: he has a Super License and would be the one to replace one of the full-time drivers if necessary. Colton, on the other hand, does not have a Super License: he is considered a rookie.”
A united team for the future
What could be perceived as tension is actually an opportunity. Each driver has a defined role, and they must work together to maximize Cadillac’s potential, a brand new team on the circuit. “There is therefore a real synergy between them, and I look forward to working with all the drivers – full-time, reserve, test, and simulator – all united by the goal of maximizing the potential of this brand new team.”
As the Formula 2 season begins, all eyes will be on this promising duo. Between learning and performance, Zhou Guanyu and Colton Herta could very well write a beautiful chapter in Cadillac’s history as a rising force in the world of motorsport. It remains to be seen if this cooperation will lead them to the coveted success in Formula 1.
