Cadillac’s Bold Step into F1: Lessons Learned from Sergio Perez’s Thrilling Test at Imola
In a high-octane debut that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Cadillac recently made its first on-track appearance in Formula 1, partnering with renowned driver Sergio Perez at the iconic Imola circuit. This historic test, conducted in a sleek, blacked-out Ferrari, marks a pivotal moment as Cadillac gears up to make its mark in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1, with plans to utilize Maranello’s powerful engines.
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon shared invaluable insights from this landmark outing, revealing the extensive preparations undertaken to ensure a seamless entry into the sport. Despite the team still awaiting the chance to run its own car—scheduled for a filming day in January 2026—Lowdon emphasized the importance of this initial run, stating, “It was a very useful exercise to do.”
With a staggering collective experience of over 2,500 years in senior positions among its personnel, Cadillac’s team is brimming with expertise, yet they possess less than a year of collaboration under their belts. This juxtaposition highlights the challenges and learning curves they face as they transition into the high-stakes environment of F1 racing.
Lowdon elaborated on the rigorous simulation exercises conducted prior to the test, which included realistic rehearsal races. “We put the headphones on and run the whole weekend as if we were at the track,” he explained. These simulations are designed to prepare the team for every conceivable scenario, from part supply issues to real-time race challenges.
An interesting aspect of their preparation involved the use of a fabricated FIA email address to submit documents, mimicking the formalities of actual race weekends. This innovative approach allowed the team to navigate potential pitfalls and operational hurdles without the pressure of real-world racing. However, Lowdon acknowledged a significant limitation: “Obviously, it doesn’t give the mechanics any chance as you can’t simulate working on a car.”
The focus of the TPC test was not to evaluate a Cadillac vehicle—after all, it was a Ferrari they were testing—but rather to immerse the mechanics and engineers in the fast-paced F1 atmosphere. “We wanted to make everything as realistic as possible,” Lowdon stated, underscoring the necessity of practical experience with a Formula 1 car.
The cadences of the test included critical procedures such as blanket protocols, start routines, and rapid transitions between qualifying sessions. Lowdon emphasized the hands-on experience gained, particularly in managing the Energy Recovery System (ERS) during emergencies, which varies significantly across different power units. “It was super useful, and I’m really pleased we did it,” he remarked, encouraging other teams eyeing an F1 entry to undertake similar preparatory measures.
As Cadillac gears up for its thrilling journey in Formula 1, the lessons gleaned from this initial test at Imola will undoubtedly prove instrumental in their quest to compete at the pinnacle of motorsport. With their eyes firmly set on the future, the team is poised to make waves in the F1 arena, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead with determination and vigor.
