Cadillac unveils special-edition livery for Barcelona F1 debut

Cadillac has officially pulled the covers off its first Formula 1 machinery, revealing a special-edition livery specifically crafted for the upcoming pre-season test in Barcelona. Unveiled by GM President Mark Reuss at the company's new global headquarters in Detroit, the design serves as an introduction to the grid while strategically concealing the car's true aerodynamic potential ahead of the 2026 season.

Why it matters:

This entry represents a massive strategic shift for General Motors, placing the Cadillac brand at the center of global motorsport. By aligning the launch with the opening of their new HQ and planning a Super Bowl reveal for the official race colors, GM is signaling that F1 is not just a racing endeavor but a core pillar of their global marketing strategy and identity.

The details:

• Camouflage Strategy: Cadillac described the livery as "bold, yet disciplined," utilizing patterns traditionally used in testing to mask aerodynamic details from competitors, much like camouflaged prototypes in the automotive industry.
• Detroit Roots: The design explicitly celebrates Detroit's design heritage, bridging the gap between the team's American identity and the European-centric world of Formula 1.
• Key Dates: The car will run this livery during the five-day test at the Circuit de Catalunya from January 26-30. It remains on display at the Detroit Auto Show until January 25.
• Super Bowl Reveal: The official race livery will be kept under wraps until February 8, debuting during a commercial broadcast in the Super Bowl halftime show to maximize global reach.

Looking ahead:

The Barcelona test will be the first real indicator of the project's competitiveness, even if the ultimate pace is hidden by the testing specification. All eyes will be on February 8 to see how Cadillac presents its full identity to the world ahead of the 2026 season.