Cadillac Formula 1 Team Makes History as Checo Perez Completes First On-Track Laps at Silverstone

January 16, 2026 | Fishers, Indiana / Silverstone, UK: The Cadillac Formula 1 Team reached a landmark moment on Friday as Sergio “Checo” Perez completed the first-ever on-track laps for the American squad at the historic Silverstone Circuit.

The milestone run took place during a pre-season promotional filming day, marking a crucial step in the team’s preparations ahead of its highly anticipated Formula 1® debut season. The session allowed the team to both capture promotional footage and conduct an initial shakedown of the car to ensure all systems were operating as expected ahead of official pre-season testing.

First Cadillac F1 Laps Ahead of 2026 Season

Running in an all-black livery for the Silverstone outing, the Cadillac Formula 1 car offered a first glimpse of the team’s on-track presence. The official 2026 Cadillac Formula 1 Team livery will be unveiled on Sunday, February 8, through a televised advertising spot during the 2026 Super Bowl, signaling a bold and innovative approach to engaging fans in the United States and worldwide.

Team Leadership Hails Historic Moment

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, described the shakedown as a defining step in the team’s journey.

“Today’s shakedown is a significant step for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. 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 continue pushing towards Melbourne and beyond,” Towriss said.

Team Principal Graeme Lowdon echoed those sentiments, highlighting the progress made in a short time.

“Today represents countless hours of hard work, commitment, and belief from everyone involved. It was a great opportunity to bring the team together in a live garage environment, verify car systems, and resolve any early issues. But this is only the start, with pre-season testing just weeks away,” Lowdon added.

Drivers React as Cadillac F1 Begins Track Journey

Perez, who completed the historic first laps, called the experience emotional and motivating.

“Today was an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud. Being part of the first laps in Cadillac Formula 1 Team history was emotional, and it’s absolutely fired me up for what’s to come. This is just the start,” Perez said.

Fellow driver Valtteri Bottas also reflected on the significance of the occasion.

“As a team, we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time. Checo’s laps went smoothly, and I’m incredibly proud of the entire team. It was special to witness the joy in the garage — now we push on,” Bottas stated.

Focus Shifts to Pre-Season Testing and F1 Debut

With the first on-track shakedown completed successfully, the Cadillac Formula 1 Team now turns its attention to official pre-season testing, ahead of its competitive debut at the 2026 Formula 1 season opener in Melbourne.