Cadillac's F1 Car Just Hit The Track For The First Time

Cadillac’s Formula 1 program reached a tangible milestone this week, with the team completing the first on-track shakedown of its 2026 car at Silverstone. The private filming day marked the first time Cadillac’s entry has turned a wheel ahead of its debut as Formula 1’s 11th team next season, giving engineers and drivers an initial opportunity to validate basic systems and procedures.

Sergio Pérez was behind the wheel for the initial running, joined by teammates Valtteri Bottas and reserve driver Zhou Guanyu as the team rotated personnel through the session. Cadillac released brief footage of the car circulating the Northamptonshire circuit, offering a first listen to the Ferrari-supplied power unit that will be used during the team’s early seasons while its own long-term powertrain plans take shape.

The car in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 Team livery set to be revealed during the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 8.

Pérez described the day as emotionally charged, both personally and for the project as a whole, noting that the first laps represented the culmination of years of preparation. "Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment, and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history."

He and Bottas had both spent time earlier in the week at the team’s base, finalizing technical details and completing seat fittings ahead of the run. As with similar filming days, Cadillac’s mileage was limited to 200 kilometers, using Pirelli tires distinct from those that will be used during official sessions.