F1
VIDEO – Cadillac runs its Formula 1 car for the first time at Silverstone
© DPPI
This is a landmark moment in Cadillac F1 history. While no one can say for sure whether it will be a success, January 16, 2025, will mark the concrete beginning of General Motors' ambitious project. The American group is arriving in Formula 1 starting from scratch, he had to build a team and a structure capable of competing, in the long run, with the best.
Before getting to that point, they still need to make their first Grand Prix start on March 8th in Melbourne, Australia. Less than two months before the lights go out at Albert Park, the men and women led by Graeme Lowdon have completed a key first step: getting the car for the first time.
The first lap of something bigger. pic.twitter.com/QCOcF7RoGt
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) January 16, 2026
This Cadillac debut took place at Silverstone (Great Britain), before heading to Barcelona (Spain) for the first pre-season tests, from January 26th to 30th. On the British circuit, Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas they completed lap after lap, supported by the reserve driver Guanyu-Zhou, arrived from Classic Ferrari for sale.
"The shakedown ensures that the car is working properly, and the engineers tick all the boxes on the checklist by checking the engine, gearbox, and all the settings." explains the Chinese. "For the driver, it's about seeing if he's happy and comfortable in the car, with the steering wheel, the communication, and the technical feedback."
"I am proud of everyone," Valtteri Bottas is delighted. "It's been an incredible amount of work getting this car running. The first step is done and now everyone is excited about going to Barcelona (for pre-season testing), which is coming up fast."
For Cadillac, the next steps come quickly: after Barcelona (January 26-30), the Americans will go to Bahrain for the following tests, scheduled from February 11 to 13, then from February 18 to 20 on the Sakhir circuit.
ALSO READ > Cadillac unveils its livery for pre-season testing in Barcelona
Silverstone Shakedown: Recap 01 🏁 pic.twitter.com/zukGAIFfOh
— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) January 16, 2026
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vincent moyet
18/01/2026 at 12:25 a.m.
Yes, they only had to deal with their 2026 cars while the others had to jointly finish the development and operation of the 2025 one. So we may have some surprises from them at the beginning of the season, but then they will experience, like the others, the difficulty of managing the current season and anticipating the next one.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
17/01/2026 at 07:19 a.m.
I thought I saw an Audi R26 go by, 🤣🤣🤣! Okay, the Caddy or the Audi seem to be the most advanced at this stage of the year, but that's understandable for these two "rookie" teams.
Ray Charles
17/01/2026 at 05:12 a.m.
What a video! I could have done better with a video of a Scalextric on my little track!