Juan Pablo Montoya has explained why Mick Schumacher is making headlines again, having been linked to a 2026 Cadillac F1 seat.
However, the Colombian has claimed the former Haas driver is only in the news because he was "speaking to everyone at Miami", the previous round on the championship's calendar.
The German has not raced in F1 since being dismissed in favour of compatriot Nico Hulkenberg for the 2023 season.
Having joined Mercedes as a reserve driver, dovetailing the role with competing for Alpine in endurance racing, the 26-year-old is still pursuing a way back into a full-time F1 seat after leaving the Brackley squad.
Although, Montoya - who battled against Schumacher's father, Michael, during the early 2000s - thinks Cadillac will go in a different direction.
Instead, the seven-time grand prix winner believes Zhou Guanyu will partner Sergio Perez, who is heavily speculated as being at the top of the American team's wishlist, next year.
"Mick Schumacher was speaking to everyone at Miami, so that’s why he’s in the news again," the 49-year-old told Sites de Apostas.
"I’d be surprised if Cadillac don’t go for Sergio Perez as their number one, and I’d say Zhou Guanyu as their number two."
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The former Williams and McLaren driver detailed his rationale for his prediction, leaning on two key factors.
Predicated on the fact Cadillac will run Ferrari power units until for at least its first three seasons in F1, Montoya feels that relationship will have sway in the decision-making process.
"Guanyu has been driving in the Ferrari engines as the reserve driver, he’ll be used to the systems at Cadillac," he explained.
Whilst other drivers in the mix for one of the two seats at the GM-backed team have experience of the Ferrari power unit, namely Valtteri Bottas and indeed Schumacher, Montoya highlighted how financial muscle could factor into the equation.
"Also, Perez and Guanyu both bring a lot of money to the team," he added. "It’s a bunch of money they can invest into the car."
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