Cadillac Seeks Ferrari F1 Car for Team Training, Not Performance Advantage

Cadillac, gearing up to be Formula 1's 11th team, is currently immersed in virtual development for its 2026 challenger and preparing its trackside team. With less than two months until their first F1 car's fire-up, the team is emphasizing personnel readiness over car development in its immediate plans.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's unique approach to team preparation highlights the intricate challenges of entering F1 from scratch. Their focus on 'testing the team, not the car' underscores the critical importance of human element and operational precision in a sport where every millisecond counts, rather than relying solely on cutting-edge machinery.

The Details:

• Simulator Prowess: Cadillac has assembled a full roster of simulator drivers, including 2016 IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud, Corvette works driver Charlie Eastwood, and two-time F1 starter Pietro Fittipaldi, all operating from General Motors' Charlotte simulators.
• Comprehensive Simulations: Since June's Barcelona round, this trio has been conducting full race weekend simulations from mission control rooms in Silverstone and Charlotte, aiming to replicate real-world scenarios.
• Driver Line-up: Colton Herta has joined as a development driver, and 2026 racer Sergio Perez has recently begun working with the team. Valtteri Bottas, though contracted to Mercedes as a reserve, is also expected to join once his current obligations conclude.
• Hardware Gap: Despite advanced virtual preparations and driver signings, Cadillac currently lacks physical hardware. Former Manor chief Graeme Lowdon is building the team from the ground up, with the 2026 regulations car not expected on track until January of next year.
• Seeking a Loaner Car: Lowdon is actively pursuing a deal with their 2026 engine supplier, Ferrari, to acquire an older F1 car. The purpose is not to test the car's performance but to train the mechanics and operational crew.
  • Lowdon's Justification: "We're not testing the car, we're testing the people," Lowdon stated. He emphasizes the need for mechanics to gain muscle memory and experience the physical presence, size, and heat of an F1 car, crucial elements that cannot be fully replicated virtually.
  • FIA Approval: Any such loan deal would require approval from the FIA, which Cadillac is involving "step-by-step" to maintain transparency.

Between the lines:

Cadillac's strategy of prioritizing team integration and hands-on mechanical experience with a physical F1 car, even an older model, reveals a deep understanding of the practicalities of F1 operations. This proactive step aims to bridge the gap between virtual training and the demanding reality of pit lane operations, ensuring their crew is as prepared as possible when their own car finally debuts.

What's next:

If a deal with Ferrari for an older F1 car materializes, Cadillac's mechanics will gain invaluable real-world experience, significantly bolstering their operational readiness for the 2026 season. While the car's performance will be a critical unknown until closer to its debut, the team's methodical approach to personnel training could give them a crucial head start in pit-stop efficiency and trackside operations.