Cadillac Completes 2026 Car Shakedown at Silverstone

Cadillac has taken a major step toward its Formula 1 debut by conducting the first shakedown of its 2026 challenger at Silverstone. The test marks a critical milestone for the General Motors-backed entry, validating their progress ahead of joining the grid next season.

Why it matters:

This represents the first on-track action for a new US team since Haas entered the sport in 2016. It validates the team's operational readiness to compete against established giants, signaling that the ambitious project is on schedule despite the immense technical challenges of building a new car.

The details:

• Driver Lineup: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, signed last August, are spearheading the project, bringing a wealth of experience to the new outfit.
• System Checks: Reserve driver Zhou Guanyu confirmed the Silverstone run, noting the focus was on verifying the gearbox, engine, and setup, alongside driver comfort in the cockpit.
• Power Unit: The team will utilize customer Ferrari engines for the start of the campaign while simultaneously developing its own proprietary GM power unit for the future.
• Competitive Landscape: This test follows Audi's shakedown in Barcelona last week, ramping up the anticipation for the 2026 grid expansion.

What's next:

While images of the 2026 car remain scarce, Cadillac previously tested a black-liveried 2023 Ferrari at Imola. The full race livery is set to be unveiled during a Super Bowl advert on February 8, marking a high-profile debut for the American brand.