Imola, Italy – The Cadillac Formula 1 project has officially hit the track. In a move that marks the American manufacturer’s first real step into the world of Formula 1, Sergio Pérez will drive a Ferrari SF-23 painted entirely in black for a two-day test at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola this week.
The test — held Wednesday and Thursday — isn’t about car performance, but about people. With Cadillac’s entry set for its official debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, this shakedown marks the first time the new team’s mechanics, engineers, and operations staff will experience the rhythm and precision of a real Grand Prix weekend.
Cadillac’s F1 Dream Becomes Reality
Four months ahead of joining the grid for the first time, Cadillac’s preparations are shifting from simulation to reality. Because the team does not yet possess its own car, Cadillac is taking advantage of Formula 1’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. Under the scheme, the team will run the Ferrari SF-23, the same chassis raced by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in 2023.
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Before being handed over to Cadillac, the car was shaken down at Ferrari’s Fiorano circuit by Arthur Leclerc to ensure full operational readiness.
Pérez Returns to the Cockpit
For Sergio Pérez, this test also carries personal significance. The Mexican driver — who left Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024 — joined Cadillac over the summer as its headline driver for 2026. This week’s Imola session marks his first time back in an F1 car since the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last November.
Around 30 Ferrari engineers are on-site to assist Cadillac’s 20-strong test crew, helping them familiarize themselves with the complex systems, communications, and workflows involved in modern F1 operations.
“We’re not testing a car — we’re testing our people,” emphasized Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac’s team principal. “This is about learning, about discipline, and about bringing everyone up to Formula 1 standards before we even build our own car. The goal is to make sure our mechanics and engineers are fully ready for the pressure of a race weekend.”
Bottas Waits for 2026 Arrival
Cadillac’s second driver, Valtteri Bottas, will not take part in the Imola test. The Finn remains under contract with Mercedes as a reserve driver until the end of 2025 and will officially join the team next year.
“We want to give Sergio maximum track time this week,” said team manager Peter Crolla, formerly of Haas F1 Team (2022–2024). “For us, this is a dry run — not about performance, but procedure. Every pit stop, every radio check, every system reset matters.”
“We’re Testing Our People”
While the SF-23 offers no development data for Cadillac’s future machine, the focus is on team cohesion — from pit stops to tire changes, radio coordination, and data management. This operational rehearsal aims to eliminate rookie errors before the team’s real debut.
The test will simulate a full race weekend structure: Friday-style setup sessions, Saturday qualifying simulations, and even race-style pit stop practice.
Cadillac’s First Lap Toward Formula 1
With the American giant now officially turning laps, Cadillac’s long-awaited Formula 1 entry has shifted from concept to competition.
In the sleek, matte-black Ferrari — stripped of all Scuderia branding — Sergio Pérez will serve as both driver and leader, helping guide Cadillac’s crew through its first F1-style test.
The team’s debut may still be months away, but at Imola, Formula 1’s newest competitor is finally in motion.
