Cadillac F1 is gearing up for its much-awaited 2026 Formula 1 debut with a unique preparation plan. With its first F1 car set to fire up in under two months, the team is relying on a mix of advanced simulators and possible Ferrari support to build up its race-ready crew.
To speed up the learning curve, Cadillac has assembled an experienced simulator line-up featuring 2016 IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud, Corvette works driver Charlie Eastwood, and ex-F1 driver Pietro Fittipaldi. Their work at General Motors’ Charlotte facility has been key in recreating real-world race scenarios. In addition, Colton Herta has joined as a development driver, and future race driver Sergio Perez has begun working with the team. Valtteri Bottas is expected to follow after finishing his Mercedes commitments.
Intensive Virtual Testing Before First Car Launch
Since the Barcelona Grand Prix in June, Cadillac has been conducting complete race weekend simulations from mission control bases in Silverstone and Charlotte. While the driver line-up and operational plans are in motion, the team still lacks actual F1 hardware. Former Manor chief Graeme Lowdon is building both the car and the structure from the ground up to align with the upcoming 2026 regulations.
To give its mechanics real-world experience before the car arrives, Cadillac is now exploring the option of borrowing a previous Ferrari chassis for TPC testing.
“We’ve been looking at the testing a team can do under the TPC rules [testing of a previous car],” Lowdon told Motorsport.com on the eve of the Singapore Grand Prix.
“We don’t have a previous car, but also the title is a slightly misnomer, because we don’t actually need to test a car, so it doesn’t really matter. Actually, current team testing is kind of what we’re interested in. We want to use a car, because in all of the simulations that we mentioned, we try and make it as real to life as possible.”
Building Crew Experience Through Realistic Practice
Lowdon made it clear that the goal isn’t technical gains, but developing operational efficiency.
“I think everyone gets a little bit wrongly concerned, that in some way we can get an advantage by testing someone else’s car or something. But we’re not testing the car, we’re testing the people. Yes, we are looking to gain the advantage, but not from anything to do with the car. The advantages that we want is for our mechanics to have the same experience that all the mechanics in this pit lane are having every day working with each car.”
Should the Ferrari option not work out, Cadillac could use one of its LMDh endurance cars for pitstop practice. However, the preference remains to work with an F1-specific machine to mirror race-day conditions.
“You have to get the mechanics used to that muscle memory of operating an F1 car,” Lowdon explained. “You have to be able to stick tyre blankets on, and then there’s just the size of a car and the heat that comes off one, and the presence that they have.
“I’ve been through this loop so many times in setting up a team, it’s really important to try and simulate and get as near as you can to everything.”
FIA Approval Expected for Ferrari Loan
Lowdon added that Ferrari is the logical partner for this plan. “We’re a [Ferrari] customer, so makes sense,” he acknowledged. “But as I say, we’re not trying to learn anything from the car itself. I really don’t really mind, as long as it’s kind of right size and shape. It’s just there to simulate, so I don’t even care what colour it is.
“If we borrow a car off somebody, then that team needs to get the FIA to approve that we could use their car. And we involve the FIA in everything we’re doing step-by-step, because we’ve got nothing to hide.”
By pairing simulator work with hands-on pit crew training, Cadillac F1 aims to enter the 2026 season fully prepared. The potential Ferrari car loan will help mechanics master operational routines long before their own challenger hits the track.
Stay Updated for all the latest Sports News, follow Todaysmatchprediction on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
