Cadillac Addresses F1 Rivals' Concerns Over Ferrari Car Loan Plan

As Cadillac prepares for its 2026 Formula 1 debut, team principal Graeme Lowdon is actively addressing concerns about the team potentially gaining an unfair advantage by using a partner's car, such as Ferrari's, for crew training. Lowdon emphasizes that the initiative focuses solely on personnel training and not on exploiting rival technology.

Why it matters:

After a long period of anticipation, Cadillac's entry as the eleventh team in F1 brings a new dynamic. The team's proactive approach to address potential competitive imbalances through transparent training methods is crucial for maintaining trust and fair play within the sport. This move could set a precedent for how new entrants prepare without a competitive disadvantage or perceived technological exploitation.

The Details:

• Cadillac has been heavily utilizing simulators, conducting full race-weekend rehearsals from control rooms in Silverstone and Charlotte. The roster of drivers includes Simon Pagenaud, Charlie Eastwood, Pietro Fittipaldi, development driver Colton Herta, and 2026 driver Sergio Perez.
• Despite extensive simulation work, the team lacks physical hardware, as they are building their 2026 car from scratch and cannot test it on track before the season.
• Personnel, Not Car, Testing: Lowdon clarified that discussions about using a Ferrari car under the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations are purely for training engineers and mechanics. He stressed that they are "not testing the car, we're testing the people."
• Muscle Memory and Practical Experience: The primary goal is to familiarize mechanics with the physical demands of operating an F1 car, including "sticking tire blankets on" and understanding the car's size, heat, and presence. This aims to build the critical muscle memory needed for efficient pit stop operations.
• Ferrari as a Logical Partner: As Ferrari will be Cadillac's engine supplier in 2026, borrowing an older chassis from them for training purposes is considered a logical and straightforward arrangement. Lowdon stated, "I really don't really mind, as long as it's kind of right size and shape. It's just there to simulate, so I don't even care what color it is."
• FIA Involvement: Cadillac is involving the FIA in every step of the process, ensuring transparency and seeking approval for any car loan. Lowdon emphasized, "we've got nothing to hide."
• Contingency Plan: If securing an F1 chassis proves impossible, Cadillac could use one of its LMDh sports-prototype cars from endurance racing for pit-stop rehearsals, though an F1 car would be the preferred option for replicating sensory and procedural demands.

What's next:

Cadillac's transparent approach to preparing its team for its F1 debut aims to quell any lingering doubts from rivals. By focusing on competency, safety, and involving the FIA in all approvals, the team hopes to ensure a smooth and accepted arrival on the 2026 grid. The resolution of the car loan plan will be a key step in their preparations, allowing their crew to gain invaluable hands-on experience before the season officially begins.