Ferrari shows Cadillac two crucial Formula 1 lessons

Cadillac completes first F1 track test with Ferrari SF-23 ahead of 2026 debut

Cadillac has taken its first steps as a Formula 1 team, conducting a private track test ahead of their official 2026 season debut. The American manufacturer leveraged its early partnership with Ferrari to run a 2023 Ferrari SF-23 at Imola, giving their new squad a practical introduction to F1 operations. Sergio Perez piloted the SF-23 over 99 laps, marking Cadillac’s first on-track experience as a Formula 1 constructor.

The one-day test took place at the iconic Imola circuit, formerly the home of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, which will not feature on the 2026 F1 calendar following the expiration of its contract after the 2025 event. Despite the track’s absence from the future calendar, it provided Cadillac with an ideal environment to familiarize themselves with F1 car handling, track procedures, and operational protocols in a controlled setting.

Learning the essentials: pit stops, tyre preparation, and race weekend procedures

While Sergio Perez managed a fastest lap of 1:18.82 in the Ferrari SF-23, the primary goal of the test was not outright pace. According to Formula1.it, the focus for Cadillac was learning the intricacies of running an F1 race weekend. Ferrari engineers were on-site to guide the new team through critical elements of race preparation, including tyre management, pit stop operations, and setup optimization. This hands-on guidance is part of Ferrari’s broader support as Cadillac will run the Scuderia’s engines and gearboxes for their initial seasons on the grid.

In addition to Sergio Perez’s session, Ferrari conducted a preliminary shake-down with Arthur Leclerc earlier in the week. This allowed Cadillac to observe professional pit stop routines and tyre preparation techniques firsthand, giving the team insights into managing logistics and strategy during an actual Grand Prix weekend. Such lessons are invaluable for a team entering Formula 1 for the first time.

Cadillac’s path to joining Formula 1 in 2026

The Cadillac F1 team is an entirely new operation built upon the foundations initially laid by Andretti’s proposed entry. After F1 approved the addition of an 11th team, General Motors acquired Andretti’s project to establish Cadillac as a works team with ambitions for long-term competitiveness. Although Cadillac will develop its own factory F1 engine in the future, it will likely not be ready before the 2029 season. Until then, the team will continue to use Ferrari power units, providing the opportunity for tests like the Imola outing with the SF-23.

Cadillac’s entry highlights the challenges of building a Formula 1 team from scratch. With significantly fewer personnel than the sport’s established giants, Cadillac’s workforce has grown from 159 staff to 426 in preparation for their debut. By comparison, leading teams such as Mercedes and Ferrari employ over 1,000 people across their operations. This makes Cadillac the smallest team on the 2026 grid in terms of staff, underscoring the steep learning curve ahead.

Experienced drivers helping build the foundation

Despite having seasoned drivers in Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, who collectively bring more than 500 Grand Prix entries, Cadillac must still establish internal expertise in multiple areas. Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas provide crucial on-track experience, but building a competitive F1 team requires deep technical knowledge, operational efficiency, and strategic planning, areas where Ferrari’s guidance will be essential. Recruiting additional talent from other teams remains a key priority for Cadillac as they aim to close the gap to the sport’s established leaders.

With pre-season testing under F1’s 2026 regulations set to begin in Barcelona, Cadillac will get their next opportunity to refine their operations and integrate lessons from Ferrari. The Imola test was a crucial first step, offering hands-on experience with car management, pit procedures, and team coordination that will form the foundation for their full debut at the Australian Grand Prix next March.

In summary, Cadillac’s early engagement with Ferrari has provided the fledgling team with practical insights into running an F1 operation, from tyre preparation to pit stop execution. While the team remains small and in the early stages of building expertise, the combination of experienced drivers and Ferrari’s mentorship positions Cadillac to take their first steps confidently into the 2026 Formula 1 season.