Perez 'Fired Up' After Historic Cadillac F1 Shakedown at Silverstone
Sergio Perez completed the first laps of the Cadillac F1 2026 car at Silverstone, declaring himself 'fired up for more' after a successful shakedown. The American team marked a historic milestone with the black-liveried machine running smoothly.
Cadillac has officially turned a wheel in anger with its bespoke 2026 Formula 1 machinery, completing a successful shakedown at Silverstone. Sergio Perez handled driving duties for the American team, describing the event as emotional and leaving him eager for more track time as the outfit prepares for its competitive debut.
Why it matters:
For a brand-new entry like Cadillac, moving from design simulations to actual track running is the most critical validation phase. This shakedown allows the team to check fundamental systems, ensure the power unit installation works correctly, and give drivers their first taste of the new regulations before the pressure of official testing begins.
The details:
- Driver Reactions: Perez, who will partner Valtteri Bottas, called the day "amazing" and emphasized the pride of completing the first laps as a team. He noted the emotional weight of being part of motorsport history and is now hungry for mileage.
- Bottas' Perspective: While watching from the garage, the former Mercedes driver praised the team's effort and noted the car ran smoothly. He highlighted the joy within the garage as a positive sign for the team's culture.
- Management View: Team Principal Graeme Lowdon and CEO Dan Towriss both focused on the "historic" nature of the day. Lowdon pointed out the value of operating in a live garage environment to resolve initial issues, while Towriss celebrated the culmination of thousands of hours of work.
- Car Presentation: The car ran in an all-black livery, distinct from the final race design. This test livery features the Cadillac logo and the names of team staff incorporated into the bodywork.
- Peer Comparison: Cadillac joins Audi as the only new entrants to have conducted shakedowns so far, with Audi having run its R26 chassis in Barcelona earlier this month.
What's next:
The team heads to Barcelona for closed-door testing from January 26-30. The official race livery will be revealed during the Super Bowl on February 8, followed by two tests in Bahrain before the season opener in Melbourne on March 8.