Sergio Perez Tests Blacked-Out Ferrari as Cadillac F1 Prepares for 2026 Debut

Sergio Perez has completed the first of two crucial testing days for Cadillac’s new F1 team, driving a blacked-out Ferrari SF-23 at Imola. This operational test is a key step in General Motors-backed Cadillac’s preparations for its highly anticipated entry into the Formula 1 championship in 2026.

Why it matters:

Cadillac’s entry as the 11th team brings a new American manufacturer to the grid, promising to shake up the competitive landscape and potentially expand F1’s global appeal. This initial test, focusing on operational readiness rather than car performance, highlights the extensive groundwork required for a successful F1 debut and the vital partnership with Ferrari for power units and chassis loan.

The Details:

• Operational Focus: The primary goal of the two-day test at Imola is an 'operational test' to prepare Cadillac's team for its F1 debut, rather than assessing car performance. Cadillac does not yet possess its own F1 car.
• Ferrari Partnership: Ferrari has loaned Cadillac a blacked-out SF-23 chassis (their 2023 car) for the test. Ferrari will also supply power units to Cadillac for at least its first three seasons in F1.
• Perez's Role: Sergio Perez, who left Red Bull at the end of 2024, is driving the car. This marks his first time in an F1 car in nearly a year. He is also using the opportunity to assess his physical condition for his return to full-time racing, stating, "On these two days, on the physical side, I want to see how much I’ve lost, where I need to work on. It will give me a very good guide for the winter, to be able to focus on that stuff."
• Simulating Race Weekends: The test serves as a dress rehearsal, simulating all aspects of a Grand Prix weekend, including pit stop practice, data analysis, team communication, and garage operations.
• Team Building: Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized that the exercise is about "testing the people" and fostering communication and teamwork among engineers and mechanics. Perez echoed this, adding, "It’s also a chance to start working together with the team, with the engineers, with the mechanics and start to speak the same language."
• Extensive Preparations: Beyond track testing, Cadillac has been conducting full weekend simulations at its base, including media duties and time management drills, to ensure staff are fully prepared.

What's next:

Perez is scheduled to complete a second day of running on Friday, November 14th. These tests are crucial for Cadillac as it builds towards its planned debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The ongoing collaboration with Ferrari and the meticulous operational preparations are vital for the team to hit the ground running when the new regulations come into effect.