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Cadillac Formula 1® Team Makes History with First On-Track Laps

Cadillac Formula 1® Team Makes History with First On-Track Laps

Cadillac has officially taken a historic step onto the global motorsports stage. The Cadillac Formula 1® Team reached a major milestone as Sergio “Checo” Perez completed the team’s first-ever on-track laps during a pre-season promotional filming day at the legendary Silverstone Circuit in England.

This landmark moment marks the first time the American-backed Cadillac Formula 1® Team has seen its car run on track, signaling real momentum as preparations continue for the team’s highly anticipated Formula 1® debut. The session served a dual purpose: capturing promotional footage while also conducting an initial shakedown to ensure all systems performed as expected ahead of official pre-season testing.

Running in an all-black livery, the car delivered a striking first appearance at Silverstone. Cadillac has announced that the official 2026 Cadillac Formula 1® Team livery will be unveiled on Sunday, February 8, during a globally televised championship broadcast — a bold and exciting way to introduce the team to fans in the U.S. and around the world.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1® Team Holdings, reflected on the significance of the moment: “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. This is just the beginning as we push forward toward Melbourne and beyond.”

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon echoed that sentiment, highlighting the team’s rapid progress:

“Today represents countless hours of hard work and belief from everyone involved. It was a valuable opportunity to operate in a live garage environment, verify systems, and resolve early issues. While this is an important step, our focus now turns to pre-season testing in the coming weeks.”

For the drivers, the day carried deep emotional significance. Checo Perez called the experience unforgettable, saying the first laps were “emotional” and motivating as the team begins its journey. Valtteri Bottas, who joined Perez at the event, praised the entire organization for reaching such a major milestone, calling it “special to witness the joy across the team.”

At Heritage Cadillac, we’re proud to represent a brand that continues to push boundaries — from luxury vehicles to the pinnacle of global motorsport. The Cadillac Formula 1® Team’s first laps are just the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

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