The Cadillac Formula 1 team has announced its strategic plan to partner with a rival squad to finalize its Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program ahead of its much-anticipated championship debut in 2026. This innovative TPC program allows Formula 1 teams to conduct up to 20 days of testing using machinery that is at least two years old. As a new entrant in the sport, Cadillac faces challenges in meeting this requirement independently.
Following the recent unveiling of its driver line-up, which features renowned drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, team principal Graeme Lowdon has revealed the team's TPC strategy for the current year. While specifics about the rival team have not yet been disclosed, it is widely speculated that Ferrari will be the partner of choice. This collaboration aligns with Cadillac's plans, as the Italian manufacturer will supply engines for Cadillac's cars until they develop their own F1 engines, scheduled to debut in 2029.
Graeme Lowdon, who previously served as CEO of the now-defunct Virgin/Marussia F1 team, expressed the importance of rigorous car testing. “We'll be introducing car testing as well this year,” he stated. “Obviously, we have to work with others to be able to do that, but that's perfectly allowable under the regulations.” Lowdon emphasized the team's commitment to preparation, stating, “We just have a plan to steadily build up so that when we get to Melbourne, we hit the ground running.”
Lowdon highlighted the critical role of the drivers in this preparation process. “The drivers themselves play such an important part in it. The one thing I can tell you…there's a huge amount of enthusiasm to get going,” he noted. As Cadillac’s TPC plan continues to take shape, he reassured fans and stakeholders that the team is exploring all avenues to ensure readiness for their debut at the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 6-8, 2026.
Despite not having a TPC car or a current car available for operation, Lowdon confirmed that the team is actively simulating race events. “We are already simulating race events,” he explained. “The next one that we're doing is Monza, and we simulate it as if it is a complete race weekend from start to finish.” This comprehensive simulation involves full integration of the entire team, including 50 to 60 engineers from both the UK and the US, working collaboratively throughout the weekend.
The collaboration extends to the drivers, with Bottas, currently a reserve for Mercedes, coordinating with the Silver Arrows for an official handover date. In contrast, Perez, who has been without a team since leaving Red Bull at the conclusion of the 2024 season, is fully committed to his upcoming F1 return. “I'm definitely planning a factory visit very soon,” Perez shared. “We are already in touch with the things that I want to put some input into. That time is just now.”
Perez is eager to get behind the wheel and engage with the team before winter testing begins. “I will definitely be in contact with the team very regularly and visiting them. I'm also looking forward to see if we can do some driving as well this year, before the end of the year. Just to get myself up to speed again, because I want to be as ready as possible for when the winter testing starts,” he affirmed.
As the Cadillac Formula 1 team continues its preparations for the 2026 season, it is clear that strategic partnerships, thorough testing, and driver engagement will be pivotal in making a successful transition into the world of Formula 1 racing.
