Get ready for a seismic shift in the world of Formula 1! Cadillac is officially revving up its engines for the 2026 season, marking the first new team to join the grid since Haas in 2016. This bold move by the General Motors brand has already sparked excitement, but here’s where it gets even more thrilling: Cadillac recently held a shakedown of its 2026 car at the iconic Silverstone circuit, signaling its readiness to compete at the highest level.
On Friday, the team, which boasts a star-studded lineup featuring Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, took to the track for a private test. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Cadillac is set to start its inaugural season with customer Ferrari engines, its own power unit is still under development. Could this hybrid approach give them an edge, or will it be a stumbling block? Only time will tell.
This shakedown comes hot on the heels of Audi’s own 2026 car debut in Barcelona last week, proving the F1 landscape is evolving faster than ever. Zhou Guanyu, Cadillac’s newly signed reserve driver, shared a sneak peek on social media, captioning it with palpable excitement: “We are here in Silverstone for the new season shakedown together with Cadillac F1 Team. Excitement.”
In a candid moment, Zhou broke down the purpose of a shakedown for beginners: “It’s all about making sure the car is running smoothly—engine, gearbox, setup—while drivers ensure they’re comfortable with everything from the seat to the steering wheel.” Cadillac later released footage of the car roaring down the pit straight, accompanied by the caption: “The first lap of something bigger.”
And this is the part most people miss: Cadillac’s journey to the grid hasn’t been without its milestones. Last November, Perez tested a black-liveried 2023 Ferrari at Imola, and just this week, the team unveiled its 2026 testing livery. The race livery? That’s set to drop in a Super Bowl ad on February 8—talk about a grand entrance!
As the F1 community buzzes with anticipation, one question lingers: Can Cadillac challenge the established order in its debut season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think they’ll hit the ground running, or will they face growing pains?
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