F1 | Here are the first major updates on the 2026 cars: Cadillac opens the door for everyone
Several interesting details about the new 2026 Formula 1 cars have emerged from Cadillac’s shakedown at Silverstone. Let’s take a closer look at what we have learned so far.
The 2026 Formula 1 season is now truly coming to life. After Audi completed its first shakedown and Red Bull and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls unveiled their new liveries, it was Cadillac’s turn to step into the spotlight. The American manufacturer carried out its first historic Formula 1 shakedown at Silverstone. Conducted this afternoon, almost unexpectedly, the images quickly spread around the world. From these photos, the first intriguing details of the new generation of F1 cars can already be identified.
A return to the past
From the images shared on X and then across all social media platforms, several noteworthy details can be observed, including a clear nod to the past. Cadillac’s new car, during its first Formula 1 shakedown, features a small fin on the rear engine cover area. This is not the large fin seen on cars from 2010 or 2017, for example, but a solution more in line with the designs introduced in 2018, reminiscent of the Ferrari SF71H.
Another key element visible is the shape of the sidepods, which appear even more steeply sloped than those seen during the ground-effect era. This already suggests that this general concept will be widely adopted, and it is unlikely that any team will present “bathtub-style” sidepods like those Ferrari initially used at the start of the previous regulatory cycle. The new sidepods create pronounced channeling effects, almost like water slides, guiding airflow more aggressively toward the rear.
The main changes and the suspension
As widely discussed, the aerodynamic wheel winglets previously fitted to the front wheels are no longer part of the regulations. The shapes of both the front and rear wings have changed significantly to accommodate the new active aerodynamics. Even on a baseline car like this one, these substantial aerodynamic differences compared to the previous generation are clearly visible.
From a mechanical perspective, Cadillac has opted for a pull-rod suspension layout at both the front and the rear, similar to the solution used by Ferrari in 2025. This configuration improves aerodynamic efficiency and lowers the center of gravity, but it comes at the cost of a more complex setup and balance window. It is therefore an aggressive and ambitious choice by Cadillac, especially considering this is the team’s absolute debut in Formula 1.
Many aspects are likely to evolve during the various test sessions, but this first Cadillac shakedown in Formula 1 already helps clarify what has changed compared to the previous regulatory cycle. It also raises a crucial question: will teams converge toward these solutions, or will we see significant variations once the 2026 cars fully take shape?
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