Cadillac has taken a decisive step towards its arrival on the Formula 1 grid by revealing the livery it will use for its maiden pre-season testing outing before the 2026 campaign. The design, prepared for the opening test in Barcelona, places emphasis on raw performance aesthetics, featuring a largely bare carbon finish. The Cadillac emblem stretches prominently across the rear of the car, while the chassis is intricately inscribed with the names of the team’s founding members, underscoring the project’s identity and heritage.
The team has described the Barcelona session as a “shakedown week”, highlighting its purpose as an initial systems check and operational run. This closed event will take place from 26–30 January and serves as the first in a sequence of extended preparation opportunities brought about by the introduction of new technical regulations for 2026. These rule changes have prompted Formula 1 to expand testing time so teams can adapt designs and procedures ahead of the season opener.
Following Barcelona, two further testing events in Bahrain are scheduled for 11–13 February and 18–20 February. These sessions will provide additional track time to refine reliability, integration of new components and overall performance correlation before the long-haul journey to the first race weekend in Australia from 6–8 March.
While the initial test car carries the minimalist carbon concept, Cadillac plans to reveal its full race livery during a major unveiling on 8 February. This final design will be used for the concluding Bahrain tests and throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season. Until then, the understated test appearance serves as a preview of a team intent on marking its entrance with confidence rather than excess decoration.
The build-up to 2026 continues to fuel discussion across the paddock, not only around new entrants such as Cadillac but also regarding team strategies, driver movements and contractual positioning. With regulation changes on the horizon and an expanded testing calendar, anticipation is intensifying as preparations accelerate for a transformative Formula 1 season.
