Perez to Test F1 Car Ahead of Cadillac's 2026 Debut

Sergio Perez has confirmed he will test an F1 car later this year, preparing for his return to the grid with Cadillac in 2026. The Mexican driver, who departed Red Bull at the end of last season, was announced last month as part of Cadillac’s inaugural F1 lineup alongside Valtteri Bottas. As the US team gears up for its debut, Perez is already taking proactive steps to regain peak race fitness.

Why it matters:

Perez’s early testing signals Cadillac’s serious commitment to hitting the ground running in 2026. For a brand-new entrant, maximizing driver and team preparation is crucial for a competitive debut, especially considering the extensive gap Perez has had from active F1 racing. These early sessions will allow both driver and crew to build critical cohesion and shake off any rust well before the official pre-season.

The Details:

• On-Track Preparation: Perez confirmed plans to test an F1 car later this year, though he kept the specific car under wraps. He emphasized the importance of driving to reacclimatize his body, particularly his neck, to the physical demands of F1.
• Simulator Work: In addition to track testing, Perez will be spending significant time in the simulator.
• Partner Car Rumors: Reports suggest Perez's track sessions might involve Ferrari's 2023 challenger, likely facilitated through an agreement with Cadillac's engine partner. This arrangement is necessary as Cadillac does not yet have its own operational car.
• Team Cohesion: These early tests won't just benefit the drivers. They will also provide the first opportunity for Cadillac's trackside crews to work together, building essential reliability and teamwork months ahead of the official 2026 pre-season sessions.

What's next:

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon highlighted that working with partners for early testing is perfectly permissible under regulations, especially since the team lacks its own