On January 16, 2026, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team marked a significant achievement in its history by completing its first-ever on-track running during a promotional filming day at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. This event, which took place under wet conditions, served primarily as a limited-systems check rather than a full performance test, as the track time was capped at approximately 200 kilometers on special Pirelli demonstration tires.
Sergio Perez took to the wheel for the initial laps, piloting the car adorned in an all-black provisional livery. While Perez focused on the complexities of driving in the wet, his teammates, Valtteri Bottas and reserve driver Zhou Guanyu, were also present, with Bottas observing the progress from the garage. This momentous occasion was not just about laps completed but was a crucial step in verifying the car’s key systems, such as cooling and electronics, in conjunction with the Ferrari 2026 power unit.
One of the highlights of the day was the sound of the new Ferrari engine, which observers noted was notably louder due to revised regulations. This sound offered the first real-world glimpse of what fans and teams can expect from the new power unit this season.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon expressed his pride, calling it an emotional moment for the team. He acknowledged the “countless hours of hard work, commitment, and belief” from all those involved at the team’s facilities in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Lowdon emphasized the importance of transitioning to a live garage environment and expressed optimism as the team looks forward to pre-season testing set to occur in Barcelona from January 26 to January 30, 2026. He further acknowledged the typical challenges and unknowns of a debut outing but remained confident in the team’s preparations.
Cadillac Formula 1 Team and the Road Ahead: Building Momentum in a Historic Season
Following their historic shakedown at Silverstone, Sergio Perez shared his emotional experience behind the wheel, expressing his eagerness for more track mileage. Describing the experience as “fired up,” Perez’s enthusiasm reflects the collective excitement within the Cadillac Formula 1 Team as they embark on their inaugural season.
Teammate Valtteri Bottas joined in celebrating this milestone, praising the performance of the car during the shakedown and reaffirming the significance of this achievement for the team. The successful testing comes on the heels of Audi’s earlier run, heightening anticipation as Cadillac becomes the 11th team in Formula 1, marking the first new entry since Haas in 2016.
The excitement does not stop at this milestone. Cadillac plans to unveil its full livery on February 8, 2026, during the highly anticipated Super Bowl, promising a splash in both motorsport and mainstream attention. This unveiling will be crucial ahead of additional testing sessions scheduled in Bahrain, which will further prepare the team for the season opener in Australia on March 8, 2026.
The early signs of the partnership between Cadillac and Ferrari are encouraging. The integration of the Ferrari power unit sets a solid foundation as the teams navigate the significant regulatory changes for the 2026 season. This partnership not only strengthens Cadillac’s technical capabilities but also positions them for potential competitiveness on the circuit.
Similarly, CEO Dan Towriss echoed the feelings of pride and excitement. He underscored the dedication reflected in the thousands of hours invested in the project and praised Lowdon for assembling a team of “absolute racers,” demonstrating a collective commitment toward achieving competitive success.
From a technical perspective, the session yielded promising feedback from technicians concerning the Ferrari V6 hybrid power unit. Overall reports indicated reliable performance, with no major issues identified during this initial outing. This testing marked the first on-track deployment of Ferrari’s 2026-spec engine, showcasing a beneficial customer collaboration that will continue until Cadillac transitions to its in-house developed power units from GM around 2028-2029.
This milestone not only signifies a new chapter for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team but also highlights the strategic alliance and technological collaboration with Ferrari, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead. As the team prepares for the upcoming pre-season testing in Barcelona, anticipation builds among fans and stakeholders alike for the competitive spirit that Cadillac aims to bring to the Formula 1 circuit. As Cadillac prepares to establish itself in Formula 1, the combination of strong engineering, team commitment, and a strategic partnership heralds a promising outlook for the season. The ongoing developments leading up to the livery reveal and the subsequent testing phases will surely be a focal point for fans and analysts alike, eager to witness how this new entrant performs in a highly competitive environment.
In summary, Cadillac’s successful shakedown at Silverstone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the project and will serve as a significant stepping stone as they gear up for the forthcoming challenges of the F1 season.
