Ferrari's 2026 power unit hit the track as Cadillac completes its shakedown test in Silverstone

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

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has taken a major step toward its debut season after completing the first on‑track running of its 2026 challenger during a promotional day at Silverstone. Sergio Pérez conducted the initial laps, giving the American outfit its first real‑world data and marking the car’s first public appearance.

The outing formed part of a filming day and systems shakedown, allowing the team to capture promotional footage while verifying core functions ahead of pre‑season testing. The car ran in a temporary all‑black livery, with Cadillac set to unveil its full 2026 design during a Super Bowl commercial on Sunday, February 8 — a bold move aimed at reaching a broad U.S. audience.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, described the Silverstone run as a defining milestone for the organisation: “Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

“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. Graeme [Lowdon] has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers that have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond.”

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon echoed that sentiment, emphasising both the symbolism and the practical value of the day.

“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team,” he said. “It shows the progress we’re continuing to make in a short space of time.

"It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues. But it’s just the beginning of the road; we now turn our attention to pre‑season testing in just a few weeks’ time, which will provide even more opportunity to learn.”

Pérez, who completed the maiden run, described the moment as both emotional and energising.

“Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team,” he said. “Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy it, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage; this is just the start.”

Valtteri Bottas, who will partner Pérez for Cadillac’s debut season, observed the shakedown from the garage and praised the team’s achievement.

“As a team we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time,” Bottas said. “Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive.

"It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done and now we push on," concluded the Finnish driver.