Cadillac Formula 1 Team Completes Its First Laps On The Track

It was a milestone day for Cadillac, Formula 1 and TWG Motorsports as the Cadillac F1 team completed its first laps on track in preparation for its maiden season in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship.

Technically, the laps were more for promotion than for testing, but it is another major moment for the F1 team.

“Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings. “Watching the car roll out of the garage is a moment of pride. The first laps on track mark a historic milestone; the culmination of thousands of hours of work, driven by pure passion. Graeme Lowdon (Team Principal) has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers that have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond.”

Checo Perez Takes The Laps For Cadillac Formula 1

Checo Perez completed the first-ever on-track laps for the United States-owned operation at the historic Silverstone track during a pre-season promotional day. It was a monumental moment as it continues preparations for its debut Formula 1 campaign.

The laps were completed as part of a promotional filming day, serving the dual purpose of gathering footage of the car on track, and the opportunity to shake down the car to ensure all systems are working as expected in preparation for official pre-season testing.

“Today was really an amazing day,” Perez said. “Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”

The car ran entirely in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 Team livery set to be revealed on Sunday, February 8, via a TV advertising spot during the 2026 Super Bowl, representing a bold new way for the team to connect with new audiences within the United States and beyond.

“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team,” Lowdon said. “It shows the progress we’re continuing to make in a short space of time. It’s been a great opportunity for the team to gel in a live garage environment, verify car systems and resolve any initial issues. But it’s just the beginning of the road; we now turn our attention to pre-season testing in just a few weeks’ time, which will provide even more opportunity to learn.”

Valtteri Bottas is one of the two drivers on the new F1 team and will join Perez on the grid in 2026.

“As a team we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time,” Bottas said. “Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive. It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team.

“Our first day is done and now we push on.”

Why Its Important For Cadillac Formula 1

It’s the first time the famed General Motors Cadillac brand will compete in Formula 1, although the team will use Ferrari engines from 2026-2028 while the Cadillac F1 engine is under development. The Cadillac engine is schedule to debut in 2029.

But it remains a monumental day for Cadillac Formula 1.