Cadillac is officially on track
The Barcelona shakedown is proving to be a unique and special period for Formula 1 teams, as it marks the first time this year that cars conforming to the new 2026 technical regulations are on track. Among the teams taking part is Cadillac, which is experiencing a historic moment in its short history: the American team is making its absolute debut in Formula 1, becoming the eleventh team on the starting grid for this season.
Everything ready for a landmark year
This debut, which until last year was still uncertain, only became possible after the final green light allowed the team to prepare in time to join the F1 circus for the 2026 season. Now, with the first laps completed at the Barcelona circuit, the Ferrari-powered car has experienced some minor issues with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, both returning to the sport after spending the 2025 season away from official driving roles.
The thrill of the first laps
These initial difficulties, however, do not alarm Team Principal Graeme Lowdon, who sees them as completely normal for a brand-new team. For Cadillac, simply being present in Spain and, more broadly, in Formula 1, is a source of immense pride. “Yes, it’s a huge step, and it’s perfectly fine to give ourselves a little time to feel the excitement,” Graeme Lowdon told F1TV. “I think the prevailing feeling is that everything is proceeding as it would for any established Formula 1 team, and we are engaging in the same work as everyone else. I feel very fortunate to be in a situation where I can work with so many talented people, whether here on track, at Silverstone, in Indianapolis, or even in Charlotte. It’s a great feeling to know that now we are on the right track.”
As Cadillac continues to find its footing among the established giants of the sport, the focus will now shift to maximizing track time and ironing out the complexities of their new partnership. While the road ahead is long, this first appearance in Barcelona proves that the American team is no longer a project on paper, but a fully operational contender ready to fight for its place in the F1 hierarchy. The data gathered during these initial runs will be the bedrock upon which Cadillac builds its future as the 11th force on the grid.
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