Cadillac F1 Gears Up for 2026 Debut with Aggressive Pre-Season Schedule
Cadillac F1 team principal Graeme Lowdon confirmed the American outfit is on track for its aggressive 2026 Formula 1 debut, with key milestones like the engine fire-up and car launch scheduled for late 2025 and early 2026. Despite a tight timeline since their March 2025 confirmation, preparations are advancing, including Sergio Pérez's recent test in a Ferrari to reacclimate to F1 machinery. The team is pushing hard to be ready for its inaugural season.
Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 in 2026 is fast approaching, with team principal Graeme Lowdon confirming that despite an enormous workload, the American outfit remains on schedule for its ambitious debut. The team is deep into preparations, from factory construction to the final design and manufacturing of its first F1 challenger.
Why it matters:
Cadillac's arrival marks a significant expansion for Formula 1, bringing another major manufacturer and an American presence to the grid. Successfully meeting their aggressive timelines and delivering a competitive package will be crucial for establishing their credibility and for the sport's continued global growth, particularly in the lucrative North American market.
The details:
- Key Milestones Imminent: Cadillac plans its maiden engine fire-up before Christmas, followed by the car's first track run in January 2026, ahead of official pre-season testing in Barcelona. This compressed schedule highlights the urgency of their preparations.
- Barcelona Shakedown: The initial shakedown will occur before the official pre-season test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26–30, 2026. This will be the first public glimpse of the car to be driven by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez.
- Tight Turnaround: Lowdon emphasized the challenge, stating, "Time is the enemy in a project like this." The team's entry was only confirmed in March 2025, leaving a tight window to design, manufacture, hire personnel, and build factories.
- Driver Preparation: Sergio Pérez recently had his first track time with Cadillac, driving a 2023-spec Ferrari at Imola. This arrangement with engine supplier Ferrari provided crucial seat time for Pérez to reacclimate to F1 machinery and marked a practical step forward for Cadillac's operations.
The big picture:
Cadillac's entry is more than just a new team joining the grid; it represents a significant investment by General Motors into the pinnacle of motorsport. Their commitment to building an F1-spec car and power unit from the ground up, within such a demanding timeframe, signals a serious intent to compete at the highest level. The partnership with Ferrari for engine supply in their debut season provides a strong foundation, while the eventual goal of a full Cadillac power unit underscores their long-term vision.
What's next:
As the calendar inches towards 2026, the focus will intensify on Cadillac's factory operations and early testing performance. Successfully navigating these initial stages will be critical to their readiness for the opening race in Melbourne in March 2026. If Lowdon's confidence holds, Cadillac's high-speed arrival in Formula 1 could become one of the most compelling narratives of the new regulatory era.