On Friday at Silverstone, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team achieved a major milestone when Sergio Pérez completed the first public laps in the team’s car during a promotional filming day. This event signals a crucial advance as Cadillac prepares for its official Formula 1 debut set for 2026, showcasing progress in their development process.
Filming Day Run Provides Valuable Data and System Checks
The vehicle operated under special filming-day restrictions, allowing only limited mileage but offering engineers a vital chance to monitor and validate the car’s systems. This initial shakedown offers insight ahead of the official pre-season testing and helps the team identify any early issues in a live environment.
The car appeared in a sleek all-black paint scheme, with the official 2026 race livery scheduled for unveiling on February 8 during a global televised event. Cadillac’s aim for this reveal is to reach a wider audience, particularly targeting viewers in the United States.
Visuals from Silverstone revealed only minimal details of the car’s design, with anticipation building for a more detailed look at the February reveal, similar to Ferrari’s recent presentation of their SF-26 model.
Team Leaders Reflect on Significance of the Milestone
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, expressed pride in this breakthrough:
“Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team,”
Towriss said.
“Watching the car roll out of the garage is a moment of pride. The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion.”
Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted the practical outcomes:
“It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues,”
Lowdon commented, noting the team’s attention now turns to upcoming pre-season testing.
Drivers Reflect on Their Roles in Making History
Sergio Pérez shared the emotional significance of the day for him personally:
“Today was really an amazing day,”
Pérez said.
“It was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more.”
Valtteri Bottas, Pérez’s teammate, reflected on the smooth initial laps:
“As a team we made history today,”
Bottas remarked.
“Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly.”
Moving Forward: Cadillac’s Journey Toward Competition Intensifies
This Silverstone shakedown follows Cadillac’s recent introduction of its new team identity and clearly indicates that the long-anticipated project is advancing steadily. With the Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne approaching, Cadillac’s early testing efforts set a hopeful tone for their future competitiveness on the grid.
