Drivers react as Perez breaks the ice with historic Cadillac F1 feat
Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have detailed their excitement after the Cadillac F1 team completed its first-ever on-track outing ahead of the 2026 season.
The American outfit achieved a milestone after it hit the circuit in Silverstone for its first-ever on-track lap, driven by Perez.
The outing by the Mexican was part of a pre-season promotional filming day as the Cadillac team continues to gear up for its maiden run through the 2026 campaign.
The session allowed the team to gather footage while continuing preparations for official pre-season testing. The Cadillac car sported an all-black livery, with the team set to reveal its full 2026 design during the Super Bowl on February 8.
Reacting to the milestone, Perez, who took to the track, expressed his pride and emotion at the milestone.
“Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment, and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history,” Perez began.
“We can, and should, all enjoy this, but it absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start,” the 35-year-old concluded.
Despite not taking to the track, Bottas also shared his thoughts on the monumental achievement of the Cadillac team.
“As a team, we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 car taking to the track for the first time. Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive,” the Finnish driver said.
“It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done, and now we push on,” Bottas concluded.
The shakedown by the Cadillac team comes after that of the Audi outfit, which earlier took to the track for a shakedown at the circuit in Barcelona.
Cadillac commences work on engine
While the Cadillac outfit awaits its maiden race in Formula 1, the team has already begun the development of its own power unit, according to Mario Andretti, who confirmed this to GPblog.
The 85-year-old 1979 Formula 1 champion detailed the amount of progress the team has made behind the scenes to achieve the production of its own power unit. Currently, the Cadillac team serves as a customer outfit to the Scuderia Ferrari team.
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