Cadillac completes its first-ever F1 test with Sergio Perez in Imola, as it readies itself for the big debut in 2026 season in couple of months time.
As highlighted few days ago, Cadillac finally hit the track in Italy in Imola in a two-day test with Perez to kick-start its preparation for its debut in 2026. The test was largely for the race team to get used to the surroundings, in terms of garage set-up, assembling pit crew, mechanics and engineers, etc.
Having prepared itself as much in the factory, it was the first go for the mechanics and engineers in physical on a F1 circuit to assess how it can work together as a team. It is essential not just for a new team, but also the existing outfits to work in cohesion and for that, they need practice.
It was also a run for the team bosses and manager to get through all the system and the driver to gel with his new team and race engineer. They had everything in place apart from a car, which they rented from Ferrari. The Italian manufacturer handed them its 2023 machinery, the SF-23.
Perez used an all-black race suit to match the livery of the car. Cadillac also had the help of the Ferrari TPC crew, who run and manages the car. The SF-23 is usually used for TPC run by the Italian manufacturer. In fact, the two manufacturers came to an arrangement to use it.
Behind the scenes, Cadillac has been running virtual system as if they were part of the races in Austin, Mexico and Brazil. They underwent full programme in their bases in the USA and also UK. Perez had the first go considering Valtteri Bottas is still tied up with Mercedes, as its reserve F1 driver.
While the Finn has to wait for his chance, Perez has been driving the simulator and paying regular visit to its bases in the USA and UK. Recently, he had his seat fit at the Silverstone base in the 2026 car. He also visited Ferrari’s base in Maranello for a seat fit to prepare for the two-day test.
It was his first outing in a F1 car since leaving the sport at the end of 2024 season when he was dropped by Red Bull. It remains to be seen of Cadillac will have further tests and if they will be part of the post-season test in Abu Dhabi. The American F1 outfit is preparing for their first official test in January, when all the 11 teams will get to run the 2026 car in a private test in Barcelona.
“I think it’s great to get the running and also the timing works perfectly because it’s just before the January test,” said Perez to official F1 website ahead of the run. “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. It is also a chance to start working together with the team, with the engineers, with the mechanics and start to speak the same language. It’s definitely a great time for us,” summed up Perez.
