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With only around 7 weeks to go until the new F1 season starts, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team achieved a major milestone yesterday as Checo Perez completed the first-ever on-track laps for the American squad. The team took to the historic Silverstone track during a pre-season promotional day, marking 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.

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 globally televised broadcast, representing a new way for the team to connect with audiences inside the United States and beyond.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 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 that have given everything to get to this moment. This is just the beginning, as our work continues at pace towards Melbourne [on March 8.]”

Meanwhile, former Red Bull driver Checo Perez said, “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 just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”

Former Mercedes driver 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 witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done and now we push on.”

CARLIST THOUGHTS

Many fans out there will be hoping that the Cadillac team joining the grid will add some extra spice to the racing this year. I am happy to see Checo and Valtteri back where they belong. And look out for some regulation changes with the qualifying sessions seeing some strategic updates.