For Cadillac, the 2026 Formula 1 season represents year zero in the pinnacle of world motorsport. The American outfit officially made its on-track debut at Silverstone for its first filming day of the season on January 16. The new car — whose official chassis designation has yet to be revealed — then completed a shakedown in Barcelona before taking part in the crucial pre-season tests in Bahrain.
Cadillac encountered several issues on track, which is only natural for a team entering an entirely new world. In all likelihood, the American squad will start from the back of the grid in the early stages of the season. For that reason, the team opted for an experienced driver line-up made up of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas. With the knowledge and expertise they have built over many years in Formula 1, both drivers are expected to play a key role in helping Cadillac grow and accelerate its development.
On the final day of testing in Bahrain, team principal Graeme Lowdon spoke to Sky Sport F1 about the work being done both on and off the track.
Lowdon: “Our first goal is to earn the respect of the other teams”
“It’s fantastic to be here and to bring the Cadillac brand into Formula 1. Everyone who has followed the team knows that we announced our entry in March last year, so it’s been a very busy period, but it’s wonderful to finally be here. After today we’ll pack everything up and send it to Melbourne. The next time we see each other will be for free practice, so it’s an exciting moment for the team.”
The team principal then addressed the difficulties the squad has faced and how the group has responded:
“It’s clear from what we’ve seen here and in Barcelona. That shows just how difficult it has been for some teams simply to get out on track, and it demonstrates how tough Formula 1 really is. I’m very proud of the team for what we’ve managed to put together and for all the work that’s been done. But you can clearly see how challenging it is to take on teams that have been in this sport for a very long time.”
At least in this first year, it will be difficult for Cadillac to compete with the front-running teams — and that is entirely expected. However, Graeme Lowdon stressed that there is little point in making bold statements before the cars go racing in earnest. Only once the lights go out will any real conclusions be drawn.
“Having said that, none of this means anything until we race, so we’ll give everything to achieve good results on track. Our start has been very positive in terms of testing, and now we have to go to Melbourne and race against teams with a long and important history in this sport — teams for whom we have enormous respect. We’ve said from the beginning that we respect the other teams. Our first objective is to earn their respect, and then of course we want to challenge them. All of us in the team can’t wait.”
Cadillac’s immediate target, therefore, is to gain credibility and respect within the Formula 1 paddock. Only then, step by step, will the focus shift fully towards fighting and beating their rivals on track.
What to expect from Cadillac? “Time is our enemy, but I have confidence in the team”
“I think the biggest challenge for a new team is that time is our enemy. We have very little time to do everything, and obviously Formula 1 waits for no one. So without any doubt, time is the biggest factor. But I’m very confident. I have great belief in the team and in the drivers we’ve put together.”
The experience of Bottas and Perez will be crucial. Both have raced for championship-winning teams such as Mercedes and Red Bull, making their contribution vital for Cadillac’s growth both on and off the track.
“We have two very experienced drivers and fantastic people within the team. The only thing we can’t control is time. But it’s the same for everyone in the pit lane — everyone would like more time, some teams more than others. The key thing for us is that we are a racing team and we want to go racing. We know how difficult it will be. We hope to win new fans for Cadillac. We’ve told our supporters not to expect too much. But we will push flat out and keep developing right up to the first lap in Melbourne — and then continue from there.”
Finally, Graeme Lowdon was asked to make a prediction for the Australian Grand Prix. His response was measured and realistic:
“It’s always very difficult to set expectations, for example about a finishing position. First of all, because there are other teams that are very strong, so we can’t really make a prediction. What we can aim for is to execute everything we do as a team in the best possible way. Let’s focus on our race and then we’ll see how it unfolds. It’s great for the fans because nobody knows what the finishing order will be in Melbourne — nobody at all. That will make it even more interesting. But I can guarantee the fans that, as a new team, we will give absolutely everything and we want to achieve the best result we possibly can.”
Cadillac heads into its debut Formula 1 campaign fully aware of the scale of the challenge ahead. Respect, credibility and steady development are the priorities. Results may take time — but as Lowdon made clear, the ambition and commitment are already firmly in place.
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