Cadillac Unveils Monochrome ‘Dazzle’ Livery for 2026 Barcelona Shakedown

F1 Grand Prix, GP United States, Circuit of The Americas

Cadillac has taken its next major step toward joining the Formula 1 grid by revealing the testing livery for its inaugural 2026 challenger. The car was presented at General Motors’ Hudson’s Detroit headquarters, where GM President Mark Reuss introduced a striking monochrome design ahead of the team’s first on‑track running in Barcelona.

The livery adopts a dramatic black‑and‑white “dazzle” pattern, combining gloss and matte geometric shapes across the bodywork. Beyond its visual impact, the approach serves a practical purpose: the disruptive patterning helps obscure aerodynamic surfaces during early testing, a tactic teams often use to protect sensitive design features from competitors.

With the 2026 regulations bringing sweeping changes to chassis and power unit architecture, Cadillac is taking no chances in shielding its development direction during the initial phases of running.

In a nod to the scale of the effort required to launch Formula 1’s 11th team, Cadillac has incorporated the names of key personnel from both its US and UK operations directly onto the car. The gesture highlights the collaborative nature of the programme and the multinational workforce behind the new entry.

The upcoming Barcelona shakedown at the Circuit de Barcelona‑Catalunya will focus on fundamental system checks, reliability assessments, and integration work. As is typical for filming days and initial runs, lap times will be irrelevant, with limited fuel loads, tyre allocations, and mileage restrictions keeping performance evaluation to a minimum.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, emphasised the team’s ambition to challenge convention as it enters the sport: “Cadillac Formula 1 is committed to innovation on and off the track. TWG combined with General Motors allows us to rethink the norm and introduce the team in bold new ways.

"Debuting our race livery during a globally televised championship broadcast challenges convention and brings Cadillac Formula 1 to a global audience.

"Paired with this special‑edition testing livery designed by the GM Global Design studios, we’re honouring automotive heritage while looking ahead as we build toward the 2026 season.”

While the monochrome test design has already generated significant attention, it will not represent the team’s final look. Cadillac plans to unveil its full race livery in early February, ahead of official pre‑season testing.

The 2026 season will mark Cadillac’s debut in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship, signalling a renewed chapter for American involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport. With the shakedown now approaching, the team’s long‑anticipated entry is beginning to take tangible shape.