The head of Ferrari, Frédéric Vasseur, confirmed that the Italian team has provided two days of testing with an older Scuderia car to Cadillac, which will make its debut in Formula 1 in 2026. The American manufacturer will use Ferrari power units for the first two seasons before introducing its own engine, expected in 2028.
As a result, Sergio Perez, who returns to the grid in 2026 after a year out, will have two days of testing with a 2023 Ferrari model at the Imola circuit in the coming weeks. The Mexican will use the opportunity to accumulate mileage and collaborate with the development of the Cadillac structure before the start of official testing in January.
Vasseur explained the context of the agreement, clarifying that Scuderia only made available part of its testing days with an older car to the new team: “What we did was give two of our testing days to Cadillac,” stated the Frenchman. “The challenge for them is huge. The problem is not so much the car, but all the logistical part, the construction of the garage, the infrastructure, the IT systems, and everything that involves it. I think it will be a good test to put everything into operation.”
Cadillac has already conducted a complete simulation of a Grand Prix weekend as preparation for its debut as the 11th team on the F1 grid. The lack of track time before the start of official testing is seen as one of the main challenges of the project.
In the meantime, Valtteri Bottas, who will be Perez’s teammate in 2026, completed 112 laps with Mercedes during Pirelli tire tests in Mexico, although it has not been confirmed whether the Finn will drive again before the end of the year.
Perez highlighted the importance of getting back behind the wheel of an F1 car as part of his physical and technical preparation: “No matter how much I train, I need time and kilometers in the car, because there are muscles and exercises that are very specific and only develop when driving. I will have two days in Imola, which will help me a lot. It will be useful to work with the engineers and mechanics and have the entire team ready for the January testing program, when we will be at 100%,” concluded the Mexican driver.
The debut of Cadillac will be closely watched by the F1 paddock, with the partnership with Ferrari being considered crucial to ensuring a competitive entry into the category.
