Cadillac makes official on-track debut with Bottas and Pérez in Barcelona
Cadillac officially kicked off its Formula 1 era with an on-track debut in Barcelona, featuring Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez behind the wheel of a black-liveried car ahead of its Super Bowl launch.
Cadillac has officially joined the Formula 1 grid, marking its debut on the first day of testing in Barcelona. The American squad fielded Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, both returning to the sport after a year away, with the Finn taking the first stint in a camouflaged black car.
Why it matters:
The entry of a General Motors-backed team is a significant milestone for Formula 1's expansion in the US market. With two experienced drivers in Bottas and Pérez, the team is looking to hit the ground running rather than starting from scratch, aiming to establish credibility immediately in the highly competitive midfield.
The details:
- Driver Lineup: The team relies on experience, pairing former race winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez. Both drivers sat out the 2025 season but returned to the cockpit for this crucial first shakedown.
- Debut Run: Bottas was the first to pilot the car, running a full-black livery that hides the final design. Cadillac joins Haas as the second Ferrari-powered team on track today.
- Launch Plans: Fans will have to wait a bit longer to see the official colors. The team has scheduled its full livery reveal for February 8, coinciding with the Super Bowl.
- Preparation: This Barcelona session follows a private test at Fiorano, giving the team valuable data before the official pre-season testing begins.
What's next:
All eyes will be on the Super Bowl on February 8 for the official car launch. Following that, the team will continue to gather data in Barcelona to prepare for the season opener, aiming to prove their pace against established rivals.