Cadillac runs 2026 F1 car for first time at Silverstone

Cadillac has run its 2026 Formula 1 car for the first time during a shakedown at the Silverstone circuit, with Sergio Perez behind the wheel.

Perez completed laps during a promotional day that allows the team to run limited mileage on demonstration tires, sporting an all-black livery as initial systems checks were carried out. The car carries a Ferrari power unit and is the first designed by the new F1 team, operating out of facilities in both the U.S. and UK.

Cadillac posted a video on social media of the car on the pit straight at Silverstone, while select imagery of the run – that Perez's teammate Valtteri Bottas described as smooth – was also released.

“Today was really an amazing day,” Perez said. “Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”

The run is a significant achievement for Cadillac having only had its entry into F1 confirmed in March of last year, with the team’s CEO Dan Towriss praising the job done to reach this point.

“Today's shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team,” Towriss said. “Watching the car roll out of the garage is a moment of pride. The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion.

“Graeme [Lowdon, team principal] has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers that have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond.”

The car will next run during the group private shakedown in Barcelona that takes place from Jan. 26-30, with Lowdon already focusing on that outing.

“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team,” Lowdon said. “It shows the progress we’re continuing to make in a short space of time.

“It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues. But it’s just the beginning of the road; we now turn our attention to pre-season testing in just a few weeks’ time, which will provide even more opportunity to learn.”