Cadillac and Mercedes begin 2026 F1 era with first car shakedowns

Cadillac and Mercedes put 2026 cars through their first tests

Formula 1’s new era moved closer to reality as Cadillac and Mercedes completed important first shakedowns of their 2026 cars at Silverstone.

Cadillac’s race crew assembled at the famous British circuit in mid-January for the American team’s first run of its 2026 Formula 1 car. Sergio Perez, returning to F1 with Cadillac, was the first driver to put mileage on the car.

The Mexican driver said Cadillac was “here to do great things” as it prepares to join the grid. The team has also drawn on the experience of Mario Andretti, the 1978 world champion and the last American to win an F1 title.

Mercedes also reached a key milestone when its new car completed its first track outing in rainy conditions at Silverstone. George Russell delivered an early assessment after the opening flying laps, while technical director James Allison and Mercedes High Performance Power Trains chief Hywel Thomas provided feedback on the team’s work.

Kimi Antonelli was preparing for his first opportunity to drive the new Mercedes machine, marking another stage in his rapid progression through the team’s development programme. Mercedes sees the Italian as part of its next generation, although the competitive order for 2026 remains uncertain.

Haas is similarly focused on the transition. Ollie Bearman, entering his second full F1 season, has been praised for his positive approach as the team targets progress in the new regulations. Bearman has set his sights on race victories and, eventually, world championships.

With the 2026 cars beginning to move from protected factory concepts to working track machines, the first answers about the new technical era will arrive when official racing resumes.