Cadillac debuts 2026 F1 livery on track in Bahrain after Super Bowl reveal

Cadillac took its 2026 Formula 1 car for its first public laps in Bahrain on Monday, showcasing its newly unveiled livery on track just hours after its high-profile Super Bowl advertisement aired. The filming day, driven by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, served as a symbolic first step in gathering crucial early mileage ahead of the team's competitive debut later this year.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's entry represents a major American manufacturer's return to the F1 grid and a significant bet by General Motors on the sport's growing popularity in the U.S. The transition from a cinematic Super Bowl ad to real-world track running underscores the shift from marketing hype to the tangible engineering and operational challenges of becoming a competitive team.

The details:

• The on-track running in Bahrain was a promotional filming day, allowing the team to capture footage and begin operational procedures with the car in its final race livery.
• The event followed the immediate buzz generated by Cadillac's television advertisement during Super Bowl LVIII, a prime-time slot aimed at capturing the attention of mainstream American sports fans.
• Veteran drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas shared driving duties, providing immediate experience and feedback for the new team.
• The session focused on system checks, driver familiarization, and gathering initial data rather than outright performance testing.

What's next:

The real work begins with official pre-season testing. Cadillac will participate in two three-day test sessions at the Bahrain International Circuit on February 11-13 and February 18-20. These tests will provide the first genuine performance indicators and reliability data. The team's competitive debut is set for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where the long-term project to establish Cadillac as a force in Formula 1 truly begins.