Cadillac Unveils Special Edition Testing Livery Ahead of Historic Formula 1 Debut

Detroit / Melbourne: Cadillac’s long-anticipated entry into Formula 1 is gathering momentum, with the iconic American marque set to make its historic debut as the Cadillac Formula 1 Team at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 8.

Marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to the Formula 1 grid, General Motors President Mark Reusstoday unveiled the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s Special Edition testing livery at GM’s new global headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building. The striking livery will be used during the all-team Shakedown Week in Barcelona, Spain, from January 26 to 30, ahead of the unveiling of the team’s official race livery on February 8.

Global Collaboration Behind Cadillac F1 Testing Livery

The Barcelona Shakedown livery was developed through a cross-continental collaboration between the General Motors Global Design team and the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, underlining the global scale and ambition of the project. The design reflects both Cadillac’s heritage and its future-facing vision as it prepares for competition at the pinnacle of global motorsport.

The unveiling formed part of GM’s opening-week celebrations at its new headquarters, where a replica Formula 1 car wearing the Cadillac Formula 1 Team Barcelona Shakedown livery is on display. Fans will also be able to view the car at the Detroit Auto Show until January 25.

Purpose-Built Design for Pre-Season Testing

Distinct from the official race livery, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s testing livery has been created specifically for pre-season development. In Formula 1, such liveries traditionally help mask aerodynamic details, much like camouflaged prototypes in the automotive world, while still expressing strong brand identity.

“Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1 team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors. “The Barcelona test is just the beginning — we can’t wait to share our official race livery with fans around the world next month.”

Honouring Heritage While Looking to the Future

The monochrome design delivers a bold yet disciplined aesthetic, anchored by a modern interpretation of the Cadillac crest and shield. A large Cadillac crest draped across the rear of the car helps disguise aerodynamic surfaces while unmistakably signalling the brand’s arrival on the global Formula 1® stage.

Vertical precision geometric patterns in alternating gloss and matte finishes further disguise bodywork while showcasing Cadillac’s design DNA. Clean lines and restrained colour blocking reinforce a technical, future-forward look, aligned with Cadillac’s performance ambitions in Formula 1®.

As a tribute to the transatlantic effort behind the programme, the names of the founding members of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team from both the United States and the United Kingdom are incorporated into the livery design.

Cadillac Formula 1 Team Eyes 2026 Season

Looking ahead, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will unveil its official 2026 race livery on February 8, giving fans their first glimpse of the design that will compete throughout the season.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, said the team is determined to challenge conventions both on and off the track. “Debuting our race livery during a globally televised championship broadcast brings Cadillac Formula 1 to a worldwide audience. Paired with this special-edition testing livery designed by GM Design studios, we’re honouring automotive heritage while building toward the 2026 season.”

Revealing the Shakedown livery at GM’s new Detroit headquarters also carries symbolic weight. Located just miles from Cadillac’s original headquarters, the Hudson’s Detroit building links the brand’s storied past with its Formula 1® future.