Cadillac F1's adventure shifted back into gear on Monday in Bahrain, as the American marque let its 2026 challenger stretch its legs in public – and in full color.
Just hours after grabbing eyeballs across the United States with a glossy Super Bowl LX television advertisement, the Cadillac team rolled onto the tarmac at the Bahrain International Circuit for a filming day that doubled as the on-track debut of its freshly unveiled livery.
Sunday night’s Super Bowl reveal was all cinematic flair – quick cuts, roaring engines, and a patriotic swell of anticipation aimed at pulling new fans into the sport. But Monday was about substance. Under the bright Bahraini sun, the livery that had dazzled millions on television finally met the road and reality.
The run itself was technically a promotional filming day, but symbolically it marked Cadillac’s first taste of Formula 1 mileage in its official 2026 colors. The car wasn’t chasing lap records; it was chasing familiarity – gathering early track time, fine-tuning visuals, and building the rhythm that every new entrant desperately needs before the competitive lights go green.
Perez and Bottas Behind the Wheel
Sharing driving duties were Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, two veterans tasked not only with showcasing the car but also with ushering the fledgling team into its competitive future.
Their presence added instant credibility, while the gleaming machine beneath them provided the spectacle.
With cameras tracking every angle and engineers monitoring every meter, the session blended marketing polish with practical preparation. And for a team counting down to its first competitive season, every kilometer mattered.
Eyes Now on Pre-Season Testing
The Bahrain outing was only the appetizer. Cadillac now pivots immediately to the more serious business of pre-season testing, scheduled for February 11–13 and again from February 18–20 at the same circuit.
Those sessions will offer longer runs, deeper data collection, and the first genuine clues about performance potential.
After Bahrain, the caravan heads to Melbourne for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix – Cadillac’s official race debut and the true beginning of its Formula 1 chapter.
©Cadillac
Perez summed up the mood within the garage, emphasizing both pride and momentum.
“Launching our livery for the season is a special moment for everyone involved because it really highlights the level of effort being put in to push the boundaries as we enter the sport for the first time,” said the Mexican.
“We now have a great opportunity to build on this momentum across the upcoming Bahrain tests as we keep learning more about what the car is capable of. I know our fans will be cheering for us as we go racing in this livery and continue our journey together.”
Bottas echoed the sentiment, highlighting how quickly the project has transitioned from concept to concrete reality.
“To go from revealing our livery at the Super Bowl to running it on track almost immediately after is an impressive way to launch our first season,” he said. “It makes everything feel very real and it’s exciting to see all the hard work come to life.
“The team has done an incredible job designing the first-ever Cadillac Formula 1 Team livery. We’re now fully focused on maximizing every lap during pre-season testing to understand the car’s package to put us in the best position possible to hit the ground running in Melbourne.
“I can’t wait for fans to see the car on track and to have their support behind us. I’m proud to represent the team as we edge closer to going racing.”
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
