Cadillac completes first F1 shakedown at Silverstone with Perez

Cadillac officially turned its Formula 1 ambition into reality at Silverstone, completing a shakedown of its 2026 challenger. With Sergio Perez behind the wheel, the Ferrari-powered car took to the track for a filming day that served as a critical systems check. Despite strict security protocols and minor technical delays, the American marque successfully ticked the box of getting the car running under its own power.

Why it matters:

This represents a tangible milestone for the 11th team set to join the grid in 2026. For a project backed by General Motors and TWG, moving from design to physical track action validates their preparation timeline. It signals that the new regulations era is fast approaching and that Cadillac is ready to challenge the established order.

The details:

• Driver duties: Sergio Perez was entrusted with the honor of the first laps, with Valtteri Bottas and reserve driver Zhou Guanyu also present at the circuit.
• Ferrari power: The shakedown offered the first public auditory confirmation of the Ferrari-supplied power unit, a key element of the team's technical partnership.
• Lockdown mode: Security was incredibly tight, with phone cameras in the garage covered with stickers to prevent leaks ahead of the official launch.
• Weather and hiccups: The day wasn't without issues, as early running was delayed by technical gremlins and the team had to contend with classic, wet Silverstone weather.
• Regulatory constraints: Similar to Audi's recent shakedown, Cadillac was limited to 200km/h and mandated to use demonstration Pirelli tires.

What's next:

The full reveal is expected to come via a Super Bowl advert next month, timed perfectly ahead of the first pre-season test in Bahrain. While the Silverstone run was largely symbolic, the real test of performance awaits in the desert, where Cadillac will finally show its true pace relative to the rest of the grid.