The Cadillac Formula 1 team is gearing up for its championship debut in 2026. To prepare, they plan to team up with another squad to complete the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program. This setup allows teams to run older cars for testing, which is crucial for a new team like Cadillac.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon recently shared insights about Cadillac’s preparations. After announcing their driver lineup, which includes Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, Lowdon detailed their plans for 2026. While he didn’t disclose which rival team they would collaborate with, Ferrari is a strong candidate due to their ongoing partnership. Cadillac will use Ferrari engines until they have their own by 2029.
Lowdon emphasized the importance of getting work done early. “We have to collaborate with others for testing, which is allowed by the regulations,” he said. They aim to make a solid start in Melbourne when the F1 season begins next March.
While Cadillac awaits final details for their TPC plan, they are already simulating race events to build familiarity. They recently conducted a simulation for the Monza race, involving around 60 engineers working together from both the UK and US. This effort is critical for ensuring the team’s integration and readiness.
Drivers Bottas and Perez are actively engaged in preparations. Bottas, currently a reserve driver for Mercedes, is in discussions to ensure a smooth transition. Meanwhile, Perez, who is eager to reclaim his place on the grid, stated, “I plan to visit the factory soon. I want to contribute as much as I can and get back on track before winter testing.”
Interestingly, according to a recent survey from Formula 1 fans, there’s growing excitement about Cadillac’s entry into the sport, with 74% of respondents expressing optimism for the team’s potential. This enthusiasm highlights the anticipation around new teams shaking up the competition and improving the grid dynamics.
As Cadillac moves forward, the collective efforts coupled with the strategic partnerships in place will be vital as they aim to establish themselves in the highly competitive world of F1. This preparation phase reflects broader trends in F1 where collaboration has become increasingly essential for new entrants to succeed.
For more details on Cadillac’s plans and insights from the team, visit [Motorsport.com](https://www.motorsport.com). Also, check out their perspective on how they can learn from established teams like Red Bull to navigate their debut successfully.
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Cadillac to test F1 car from rival team ahead of 2026 debut,Cadillac Racing,Sergio Perez,Valtteri Bottas,Formula 1
