New Cadillac team doubts an early start to its inaugural 2026 F1 season

18:01, 24 Jan

byLudo van Denderen

It is still unclear when Cadillac will officially begin the new Formula 1 season. The American team is waiting to assess the weather forecast before deciding on its first test day in Barcelona, GPblog understands.

It won’t be an on-track debut for Cadillac. The team of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez already completed a shakedown at the Silverstone Circuit earlier this month. Perez completed his laps reportedly without any issues, much to the team’s delight.

In Barcelona, the next step will be taken in the development of the team's first F1 car, and Bottas will also have the chance to complete his first laps. However, it’s unclear on which day this will happen. Before a decision is made, the weather forecast is being closely monitored.

Cadillac during the shakedown - Photo: Cadillac

Red Bull on track Monday

Tuesday is unlikely to be a suitable first day to run because of the rain expected in Spain.

If Cadillac decides to begin on Monday, it would do so alongside Alpine, Racing Bulls, and Red Bull Racing.

Among others, Max Verstappen’s team has already indicated it will run on the opening day of the five-day test. The Dutchman himself will be in action then, GPblog reported.

McLaren and Ferrari definitely won’t be there on the first day. These teams want to join no earlier than Tuesday. Whether that will be possible also depends on the weather too.

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