Get ready to witness history in the making! The Cadillac F1 team has officially hit the track, marking a monumental moment in motorsport. But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just any team—it's the first all-new addition to the grid since Haas in 2016, and they've already turned heads with their debut at Silverstone. And this is the part most people miss: their journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.
On a crisp Friday night (AEDT), the 11th team on the grid conducted a shakedown at the iconic Silverstone circuit, the very same venue that hosts the British Grand Prix. Behind the wheel was none other than Sergio Perez, making a highly anticipated return to F1 after a year-long hiatus following his departure from Red Bull at the end of 2024. Perez, who will partner with Valtteri Bottas in the team's inaugural season, couldn't contain his excitement. 'Today was truly amazing,' he shared. 'Every single person on this team should feel incredibly proud. This is just the beginning, and I’m already hungry for more.'
But here's where it gets controversial: Cadillac’s entry into F1 isn’t just about showing up—it’s about challenging the status quo. To prepare for their debut, the team spent the latter half of the 2025 season running 'ghost races,' using real-world track data in their simulator to mimic race-day decisions. Is this the future of F1 preparation, or just a clever workaround? Team principal Graeme Lowdon believes it’s a game-changer. 'This shakedown allowed us to bring those lessons into a live garage environment, ironing out any kinks in our systems,' he explained. 'But we’re just getting started.'
The car, clad in an all-black livery (with the official race design set to debut during next month’s Super Bowl), is the result of thousands of hours of passion and dedication. Cadillac’s chief executive couldn’t hide his pride: 'Seeing the car roll out of the garage was a moment of pure pride. This is a historic milestone, and Graeme has built a team of absolute racers.'
With two official three-day pre-season tests in Bahrain on the horizon and the 2026 season kicking off in Melbourne on March 8, the pressure is on. But Cadillac isn’t alone in their ambition—Audi is also joining the grid in 2026, having taken over the Sauber team. Will Cadillac’s innovative approach pay off, or will they struggle to keep up with the established giants?
As the F1 world watches closely, one thing is clear: the 2026 season is shaping up to be one for the history books. What do you think? Is Cadillac’s strategy bold enough to challenge the top teams, or are they in for a rude awakening? Let us know in the comments below!
