The Cadillac Formula 1 team has begun pre-season testing in Bahrain ahead of its 2026 debut, with principal Graeme Lowdon emphasizing a grounded approach despite an encouraging start. Driver Valtteri Bottas highlighted the emotional buildup to the team's entry, while new hire Marc Hynes joins to oversee racing operations. The squad features experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Bottas, as defended by consultant Pat Symonds.
Cadillac's entry into Formula 1 as the 11th team for the 2026 season marks the first entirely new outfit since Haas in 2016. Pre-season testing commenced on February 11 at the Bahrain International Circuit, following a private shakedown in Barcelona from January 26-30. The shakedown focused on validating every element of the team's garage setup, including jacks and toolboxes, as a new organization.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon stressed realism amid the positive initial runs. "No, it's the hope that always gets you in the end, isn't it? I'm a Newcastle fan, I know it," Lowdon said, indicating no shift in expectations for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8. He noted the team's bold ambitions for the future but maintained focus on completing their testing program over the two weeks: February 11-13 and 18-20.
Valtteri Bottas, paired with Sergio Perez, revealed that discussions with the team began over three years ago, even before confirmation of their grid entry. Initially under the Andretti banner, which was denied, the project evolved into Cadillac backed by General Motors. Bottas joined officially at the start of 2026, praising the team's rapid growth, expanding facilities in the US and England, and the emotional milestone of the car's first run. "There was people crying when the car ran for the first time," he shared, underscoring the dedication after late approval in 2025.
Pat Symonds, executive engineering consultant, defended Perez against recent scrutiny at Red Bull, where he departed at the end of 2024. "Checo's had some bad press in the last couple of years and to me it's undeserved," Symonds stated, impressed by Perez's simulator feedback. He also lauded Bottas's competence from prior collaboration at Williams and reserve driver Zhou Guanyu's work ethic.
In a key addition, Marc Hynes was appointed chief racing officer on February 11. A former associate of Lewis Hamilton and co-owner of Equals Management with Lowdon, Hynes will manage the driver lineup, including test driver Colton Herta. "Building a new team in Formula 1 is a rare challenge, and I’m excited to help shape the culture," Hynes said. The team's black and white livery, revealed during the Super Bowl halftime, debuted on track during testing.
