Sergio Perez Makes First Cadillac Factory Visit as 2026 F1 Preparations Intensify

Sergio Perez has completed his inaugural factory visit to Cadillac F1's Silverstone base, undertaking his first simulator runs in preparation for his return to the grid for the 2026 season. This marks a significant step in the team's build-up to its official Formula 1 debut, with Perez set to form one half of Cadillac's driver lineup.

Why it matters:

Sergio Perez's engagement with Cadillac F1 signals a critical phase in the team's 2026 entry. For Cadillac, securing an experienced driver like Perez and getting him integrated early is crucial for developing their maiden F1 car. For Perez, it represents a fresh start and a pivotal role in shaping a new F1 contender, giving him the opportunity to contribute from the ground up after his current F1 hiatus.

The Details:

• Factory Visits: Videos from the Cadillac team show Perez's arrival at their Silverstone base following an earlier visit to the outfit’s Charlotte headquarters in the United States.
• Simulator Runs: Perez's initial simulator sessions at Silverstone are vital for his physical adaptation and for providing early feedback on the car's development, especially concerning the demands on the driver's neck and overall body. He emphasized the importance of driving this year to prepare his body for 2026.
• Testing Plans: Perez previously revealed plans for both simulator training and testing an old F1 car. However, as Cadillac is an incoming team, they do not possess an older F1 model. Current plans for on-track testing remain uncertain, with options possibly including utilizing a previous car from another team or machinery from a lower formula. All simulator time is therefore critical for the Mexican driver.
• Goal for 2026: Perez expressed ambitious goals for Cadillac's debut, stating, "The goal is to arrive ready as a team for the first race." He believes the team has immense potential and is confident they can "surprise and… win points early in the season."

What's next:

The focus for both Sergio Perez and Cadillac F1 will now be on maximizing simulator development and clarifying on-track testing opportunities. With the 2026 Australian Grand Prix just over six months away, every session and every piece of feedback will be instrumental.

• Perez's continued involvement in the simulator will be key to refining the car's characteristics and ensuring he is fully race-fit.
• Cadillac's ability to secure on-track testing with an older F1 car, or an equivalent, will significantly impact Perez's physical readiness and the team's understanding of real-world performance.
• The team's trajectory and Perez's ability to deliver on his ambitious targets will depend heavily on how effectively they leverage these early preparation phases to build a competitive package for their F1 debut.