Cadillac already up and running in Bahrain on final filming day

The Cadillac Formula 1 team is back on track in Bahrain today, using its second and final permitted filming day to log crucial mileage with its 2026 car ahead of the official pre-season test. This strategic move provides a vital, pressure-free opportunity to gather data, refine systems, and build operational familiarity before the competitive season begins.

Why it matters:

For a brand-new F1 entrant like Cadillac, every minute of track time is invaluable. With its entry only formally approved last year, the team is in a race against the calendar to be ready for its debut. Using the last of its allocated filming days now represents a calculated gamble, trading a future safety net for immediate, uninterrupted running to accelerate its learning curve before rivals even arrive.

The details:

• The session at the Bahrain International Circuit comes just 48 hours before the second official pre-season test begins at the same venue on Wednesday.
• Filming days are officially for promotional purposes but are widely used by teams as limited technical sessions to check reliability and procedures without the scrutiny of official timing.
• Cadillac's previous running has highlighted the scale of the task. During a private shakedown in Barcelona in January, drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas completed 164 laps combined, placing the team near the bottom of the mileage charts for that event.
• The car first ran at a filming day at Silverstone, an event more focused on capturing promotional footage than performance data.

What's next:

The immediate focus shifts to the official pre-season test in Bahrain, where Cadillac will face the full field for the first time. The data and experience gained from this final filming day will be critical for maximizing that test. Once today's running concludes, the team will have no filming days remaining to fall back on during the season, underscoring the importance of making this session count as it prepares for its maiden Grand Prix in Australia.