Cadillac hits the track for first shakedown with Ferrari power unit

The new Cadillac Formula 1 team completed its first shakedown at Silverstone, marking the on-track debut of its General Motors-backed challenger. This milestone run also served as the first track appearance of Ferrari's new 2026 power unit, which will propel the team under the revised regulations.

Why it matters:

This shakedown represents the culmination of a massive effort to bring an 11th team to the grid, the first new entry since Haas in 2016. It offers the first real-world glimpse of how the new regulations are taking shape, particularly regarding the Ferrari power unit that will be crucial for Cadillac's competitiveness against established giants like Red Bull and McLaren.

The details:

• Power Unit Debut: The car ran with a Ferrari engine, making this the first time the Italian manufacturer's 2026 specification power unit has turned a wheel on track.
• Driver Line-up: The team features a vastly experienced pairing with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both race-winning veterans returning after a year on the sidelines. Reserve driver Zhou Guanyu was also present at the garage.
• Testing Livery: The car sported a bare carbon design with the Cadillac logo on the rear and the names of founding members inscribed across the chassis. The definitive race livery will be unveiled during the Super Bowl on February 8.
• Timing: Cadillac is the second team to conduct a shakedown, following the rebranded Audi team's run at Barcelona last week.

What's next:

Attention now shifts to the official pre-season testing schedule, which is robust due to the regulation changes.

• The first closed-doors test takes place in Barcelona from January 26-30.
• Two additional test sessions will follow in Bahrain (February 11-13 and 18-20) before the season opener.
• The 2026 season begins with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.