The Cadillac team intends to perform a preliminary assessment of its inaugural Formula 1 vehicle prior to the Barcelona pre-season testing phase, scheduled for January 26-30, contingent upon successful progression of development.
The Ferrari-powered racing machine, to be driven by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, is slated for an initial engine ignition “within a span of fewer than 50 days,” as communicated by team principal Graeme Lowdon on Friday during the Brazil Grand Prix, implying a timeframe before the commencement of the Christmas period.
The vehicle’s introductory on-track evaluation, potentially a shakedown exercise authorized under the stipulations of the ‘Promotional Event’ regulations, is projected to occur in January. Cadillac may then accumulate up to 200 kilometers of operational distance with its newly constructed hardware.
“All aspects are progressing according to the established timelines,” Lowdon stated. “Indeed, the initial engine activation is anticipated to take place in under 50 days, and the car’s inaugural run is programmed for January of the forthcoming year. Subsequently, we intend to engage in testing activities in Barcelona towards the conclusion of January.”
The British executive did acknowledge that adhering to all predefined deadlines would present a substantial challenge for Cadillac, with the team’s preparatory endeavors actively advancing at its facilities situated in both the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Temporal constraints constitute a significant factor in a project of this magnitude, given the recognition that our participation in Melbourne is scheduled for the initial week of March 2026, and this specified date cannot be subjected to postponement,” Lowdon elaborated.
Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal of Cadillac Formula 1 Team
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images via Getty Images
“The volume of essential tasks is considerable. The confirmation of our participation was only received in March 2025, thus establishing a narrow timeframe. Within this period, we are required not only to construct the vehicle but also to manufacture, design, recruit personnel, and establish the necessary factory infrastructure – encompassing all facets. This represents a genuine and considerable undertaking.”
Originally initiated under the Andretti banner, the Cadillac initiative necessitated several years to secure endorsement from both the FIA and F1. The team’s debut is now scheduled to coincide with the comprehensive technical revisions in regulations for the upcoming year, a circumstance that Lowdon characterizes as possessing “both beneficial and detrimental aspects.”
“The disadvantage lies in the fact that stable regulations provide clear target parameters, as evidenced by the current competitiveness of McLaren and Ferrari,” he elucidated. “However, the competitive landscape for 2026 remains undefined. This absence of a defined reference point constitutes a disadvantage, but it is this uncertainty that sustains the engagement of enthusiasts within the sport.”
“The advantage for our team is that the extensive regulation modifications introduce fresh challenges for all participants, including our own. The performance outcomes remain unknown for all teams. Should you inquire of any team principal, they will be unable to provide definitive projections. This element of uncertainty contributes to the excitement: we are uncertain of our competitive positioning.”
“Our undertaking surpasses that of other teams due to the condensed timeframe in which we must accomplish a greater number of tasks. The collective experience of our personnel encompasses thousands of years in F1; however, their collaborative operational history as a unified team is less than one year.”
“The initial challenge will involve establishing seamless operational cohesion within the team. Subsequently, irrespective of our initial performance level, the rate of improvement will be of paramount importance and will serve as our primary focus. Therefore, on balance, I perceive an advantage in entering during a period of regulatory change.”
