Cadillac Formula 1 Team Hits Silverstone With First Laps
The Cadillac Formula 1® Team hit another significant milestone today as Checo Perez drove the American squad’s car on track for the first time. The team ran at the historic Silverstone circuit during a pre-season promotional day. It moved preparations forward for the team’s first Formula 1® campaign and its 2026 F1 debut.
The team used the promotional filming day to capture footage and run a Silverstone shakedown. The crew checked every system and confirmed the car performed as expected ahead of official pre-season testing.
The car ran in an all-black livery at Silverstone. The team will reveal the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1® Team livery on Sunday, February 8, during a globally televised championship broadcast. The reveal will offer a bold new way to reach new audiences in the United States and beyond.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1® Team Holdings, commented: “Today's shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 ®Team. 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 has done an outstanding job of assembling a team of absolute racers who have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne and beyond."
Graeme Lowdon, Team Principal, added: “Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment and belief from everyone involved in the team. 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 the car's 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, which will provide even more opportunity to learn.”
Checo Perez: “Today was really an amazing day. 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 want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”
Valtteri Bottas: “As a team, we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1® Team car taking to the track for the first time. 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 to witness the team's joy. Our first day is done, and now we push on.”
