Cadillac Confirms Ferrari's Role in 2026 F1 Test Plans

Cadillac has clarified its pre-2026 F1 testing strategy, addressing earlier speculation about using a Ferrari car for 'Testing of Previous Cars' (TPC) running. While the American entrant won't directly run a Ferrari car, it is leveraging its partnership with the Scuderia for crucial team-building and operational training.

Why it matters:

As F1 prepares for a major regulatory overhaul in 2026, new entrant Cadillac faces the unique challenge of establishing its team and procedures without prior F1 experience. Their collaboration with Ferrari for operational training is key to integrating mechanics and race engineers, ensuring they're race-ready for their debut season.

The Details:

• No Direct TPC Car Usage: Cadillac, as a new team, lacks a two-year-old car for a traditional TPC program. Initial rumors suggested they might use an old Ferrari car, but this has been clarified.
• Focus on Team Building: According to team boss Graeme Lowdon, the primary goal of early testing is 'muscle memory' development for mechanics and crew, focusing on pitlane operations, garage practice, and fostering collaboration among new colleagues.
• Ferrari Collaboration: Cadillac's executive engineering consultant, Pat Symonds, confirmed that the team has already participated in one session observing Ferrari's tests, with another planned.
  • These sessions are crucial for Cadillac's mechanics and race engineers to work alongside Ferrari personnel, learning system specifics like hydraulic bleeding and refueling procedures. This integration is vital as Ferrari will supply Cadillac's power units.
• Autonomous Manufacturing Ambition: Cadillac, through General Motors, aims to become a fully autonomous manufacturer. While starting as a Ferrari power unit customer, Symonds emphasized that Cadillac will design most of its components in-house, including the gearbox carrier and suspensions.
  • "I'm a great believer in being in charge of your own destiny, and I think, if you are a customer team, to me, that's not the way to win the World Championship," Symonds stated, highlighting their commitment to independent design.
• Ferrari's Transparency: Ferrari has been highly accommodating in providing technical details for Cadillac's chassis development, crucial for integrating the upcoming 2026 hybrid power unit. This transparency helps Cadillac with engineering requirements, even before physical power units are available.

What's next:

Cadillac's structured approach to team integration and independent design signals a serious long-term commitment to F1. Their strategic use of the Ferrari partnership for operational training, while maintaining a clear vision for autonomy, will be critical to their success as they prepare for the 2026 regulations. The ongoing collaboration with Ferrari for technical insights will continue to shape their progress towards their debut.