Cadillac completes 2026 F1 shakedown at Silverstone

Cadillac has officially turned its first wheel in Formula 1, completing a shakedown of its 2026 challenger at a damp Silverstone circuit. With reserve driver Guanyu Zhou at the helm, the American manufacturer took to the track adjacent to its new European base, marking a significant milestone ahead of its debut season. This initial run also served as the first track appearance for Ferrari's 2026 power unit.

Why it matters:

As the first all-new entrant since Haas in 2016, Cadillac's arrival is a pivotal moment for F1's expansion into the American market. Successfully completing a shakedown validates the team's operational readiness just days before the grueling pre-season test schedule begins, proving the project has moved from the drawing board to the track on time.

The details:

• Operational Check: The shakedown focused on basic systems verification. Zhou noted that the priority was ensuring the car was running correctly, with engineers ticking boxes for the gearbox, engine, and initial set-up parameters.
• Driver Comfort: For Zhou, the session was about acclimatization. He emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable in the new seat and establishing clear communication channels with the engineering team.
• Aerodynamic Hints: Despite low-resolution footage, observers noted the car features aggressively downwashed sidepods, suggesting the team is adhering to current aerodynamic trends.
• Ferrari Power: As a Ferrari customer, these laps were crucial for Maranello, marking the debut of the Ferrari 2026 power unit in a competitive chassis environment.

Looking ahead:

Cadillac is foregoing a traditional launch event to reveal its full livery during a Super Bowl commercial on February 8. The team will now head to Barcelona for the first pre-season test on January 26, where the real assessment of their pace against the established grid will begin.