Sergio Pérez has completed Cadillac’s first ever laps in a 2026 F1 car during a promotional and shakedown day at Silverstone on Friday. The American squad with a base at the legendary British circuit will be the eleventh team on the grid in 2026.
Despite being a new team, Cadillac’s driver line-up has serious firepower. Multi-time race winners Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will race for them in 2026. China’s Zhou Guanyu is their reserve following three seasons at Alfa Romeo/Sauber from 2022-2024.
Highly respected Graeme Lowdon is their team principal. Alongside that, there is big names like Pat Symonds and Nick Chester too. It shows they are here to stay.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 Team Holdings, commented:
“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 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.”
Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac F1 Team Principal, added:
“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team. 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.”
Sergio Pérez, Cadillac driver:
“Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. 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, 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, Cadillac driver:
“As a team we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time. 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.”
Following its running in a shakedown at Silverstone, Cadillac F1 will be aiming for a smooth run in winter testing at Barcelona later this month. Testing will continue in February with two visits to Bahrain.
