The new Cadillac Formula 1 project has officially begun at the Imola circuit, marking the American brand’s first real step into the world of Formula 1 with direct support from Ferrari. The team, which will enter the championship in 2026 as the eleventh outfit on the grid, is carrying out a two-day track session yesterday and today using a completely black Ferrari SF-23. At the wheel was Mexican driver Sergio Pérez, the former Red Bull racer.
The first contact between Cadillac and the track
The main objective of this test is not to evaluate the performance of the car itself, but rather to train engineers, technicians, and mechanics in the standard procedures of a Formula 1 race weekend. Team principal Graeme Lowdon explained that the goal is to place the crew on a real circuit environment because for many members this represents an entirely new experience. Preparing the team in realistic conditions, he noted, is the essential first step for competing effectively in such a demanding championship.
For this reason, Cadillac obtained the 2023 Ferrari car “on loan.” The SF-23 had already been checked at Fiorano in recent days by Arthur Leclerc, who carried out initial system checks to ensure the car was fully operational. The test falls under the TPC (Testing of Previous Car) regulations, which allow the use of chassis that are at least two seasons old. The SF-23 fits perfectly within these rules.
In this specific case, the FIA granted a formal exemption, agreed with the other teams, acknowledging the need for Cadillac to become familiar with the complex organizational structure of Formula 1. Several Ferrari engineers were present to support their Cadillac colleagues, sharing crucial know-how about telemetry systems, data management, and operational procedures.
In total, 25 Ferrari staff members worked alongside 25 Cadillac personnel, with the entire operation supervised by Graeme Lowdon (team principal), Peter Crolla (team manager), and Caroline McGrory (Chief Legal Officer) of the new F1 team.
The first day concluded at sunset with an out-in lap before both Ferrari and Cadillac members gathered around the car in the pit lane. Someone began humming the Italian national anthem, followed by a light round of applause, bringing the session to a close in a symbolic moment for the young team.
Earlier in the week, Cadillac personnel had also observed Arthur Leclerc’s work at Fiorano. That initial session was aimed at helping the team become familiar with the SF-23’s systems and understanding the key parameters involved in starting the car and managing it on track. Now, the test at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari represents a significant step forward in that learning process.
The importance of real on-track operations
This is the first true opportunity for Cadillac’s engineers and mechanics to put into practice everything they have learned so far, simulating the full range of operations typical of a real Formula 1 weekend. From practicing pit stops to carrying out post-session analysis based on data collection, the team is gaining essential hands-on experience in a fully authentic environment.
Another key objective is to become familiar with the operating logic of a 2026 power unit. Although the next-generation engines will be dramatically different from the current ones—“completely revolutionized,” as insiders describe them—the operational principles used on track will remain relatively similar. Learning these procedures now provides the team with a valuable foundation ahead of the major regulatory overhaul.
Sergio Pérez will drive the car on both days. The Mexican driver began collaborating with the team during the summer, after concluding his time with Red Bull and becoming free of contractual restrictions. For him, this marks a return to the track after a sabbatical year. Valtteri Bottas, however, is not present, as he remains under contract with Mercedes as their third driver until the end of the season.
The open question is whether this driver pairing will have a competitive car available from the start. Entering Formula 1 is never simple, particularly at the beginning of a new regulatory cycle. Nevertheless, starting from a clean sheet gives every team the theoretical chance to fight on equal ground if their technical choices align well with the new rules. It is a challenging mission—but far from an impossible one.
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