Cadillac embraces 'emotional' F1 paddock arrival as a major milestone

Cadillac's Formula 1 project has officially arrived in the paddock, with team principal Graeme Lowdon acknowledging the "emotional" significance of the moment while emphasizing the team is now focused on the daily grind of competition. The American outfit marked its operational debut at this week's pre-season test in Barcelona, running its 2026 car with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Why it matters:

The transition from a confirmed entry to a functioning team on the ground is a critical and symbolic step for any new F1 operation. For Cadillac, achieving this in under 12 months since receiving official approval demonstrates remarkable progress and sets the foundation for its long-term challenge against established rivals, aiming to become the first American works team to compete for championships in decades.

The Details:

• The five-day Barcelona test represents Cadillac's first physical presence in the F1 paddock as a full team, moving from planning to active participation.
• Drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez shared driving duties on the first day, completing the team's initial on-track running with its 2026 car.
• Both drivers confirmed encountering issues during running, which the team views as a standard and expected part of the development process for a new entity.
• Lowdon highlighted the collective effort, praising staff at the track and across bases in Silverstone, Indianapolis, and Charlotte for reaching this point.

What's next:

With the initial paddock arrival complete, the focus shifts entirely to development and problem-solving. The Barcelona test data will be crucial for understanding the car's baseline performance and reliability. Cadillac's immediate challenge is to methodically work through its test program, learn from the encountered issues, and continue building its operational rhythm ahead of the 2026 season, where it will face its first true competitive test.