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Cadillac conducts its first test at Imola with a Ferrari SF-23

The American manufacturer continues to prepare for its arrival in the Formula 1 paddock with a first test session orchestrated at Imola, where Sergio Pérez drives a 2023 Ferrari.

Published 13/11/2025 à 15:20

Cyprien Juilhard

  Comment on this article! 4

Cadillac conducts its first test at Imola with a Ferrari SF-23

© DPPI

For Sergio Pérez, these are his first steps behind the wheel of a former executioner. The ex-driver Red Bull find her Ferrari SF-23, which had been, in the hands of Carlos Sainz in Singapore, the only one to break the Austrian team's hegemony during the 2023 season, where Red Bull had won 21 of the 22 races (19 for Verstappen, 2 for Pérez).

Pérez has meanwhile left Red Bull to join Cadillac, which is continuing its intensive preparation ahead of its big debut in Formula 1The Guadalajara native actively participates in the work at the factory, where the car is being developed, while the work on the simulator is divided between Pérez and the new recruits. simon pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood.

Cadillac's first public test drive

In the meantime, Valtteri Bottas is retained by Mercedeswhere he continues his duties as a reserve driver. In the Finn's absence, Cadillac carried out its highly anticipated first shakedown at Imola on Thursday, November 13. At the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Sergio Pérez completed several laps at the wheel of the 2023 Ferrari, a loan from the Maranello-based firm, which will supply the engines, gearboxes, and suspensions to the newcomers.

ALSO READ > Cadillac is getting ready: "Everything is in place," according to Sergio Pérez

This allowed Cadillac to get a feel for the track and conduct initial Grand Prix simulations, after extensive preparation of its teams in the simulator. Alongside the Brazilian Grand Prix, they held their first full-scale "sprint" weekend, aligning themselves with the scheduled sessions at Interlagos. The Americans now needed to take the next step to test their procedures and improve synergy between all team members.

To set up these tests, they were able to rely on the logistical and technical support of Ferrari, whose team ensured optimal conditions for the General Motors subsidiary. The first public test drive of the 2026 Cadillac will now take place at the Barcelona tests from January 28th to 31st.

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4 Comment (s)

Yves-Henri RANDIER

14/11/2025 at 02:32 a.m.

The Scuderia's skilled hands at work in Imola... and will Scuderia continue to supply Cadillac's Power Unit until the new engine regulations (2030 or 2031)?

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Lucas Paul

14/11/2025 at 11:11 a.m.

Happy for Sergio, whom I drove in the Francorchamps F1 parade in 2013! He was very nice and liked my driving style in the Mercedes 230 SL!!! We spoke Spanish!!!

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Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)

13/11/2025 at 04:15 a.m.

First real-world tests… after… Fiorano… for Cadillac F1, for the entire staff… mechanics and some of the engineers! Sergio at the wheel of a Ferrari SF23… all black! A thought… for November 13th… 2015 🇫🇷 🇫🇷🕯️🇫🇷🕯️🇫🇷🕯️

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Brid Get

13/11/2025 at 08:34 a.m.

Thank you Alain for thinking of us... French people!

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