F1, Sportrik Media - Cadillac is preparing for its Formula 1 debut in 2026, but the path to becoming the championship’s 11th team has not been without technical setbacks, particularly during early wind tunnel development.
The General Motors brand formally secured its entry in March 2025, concluding a prolonged approval process. Its arrival coincides with Formula 1’s most significant regulation overhaul in modern history, featuring a chassis approximately 32kg lighter, reduced downforce, and a power unit architecture with greater electrical emphasis under the framework of Formula 1.
Engineering consultant Pat Symonds revealed that development work began prior to the official confirmation, but a lack of access to official tyres for wind tunnel testing posed an early challenge.
“We had some things against us,” Symonds explained.
“We were able to start looking at aspects of the 2026 regulations before January 2025, but we were still estimating certain details. Most importantly, we didn’t have the Pirelli tyres for wind tunnel testing, so we produced our own. When the official tyres arrived later in the month, they were a different shape to what we had anticipated.”
The discrepancy required recalibration of aerodynamic correlation data at a critical stage of development. Despite the setback, Cadillac managed to align with its operational targets and was present on day one of the first collective 2026 shakedown in Barcelona before continuing its programme at the Bahrain pre-season test.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon emphasised the scale of progress achieved within a condensed timeframe.
“Less than 12 months ago, we didn’t even have an entry, let alone a car or facilities,” Lowdon said in Bahrain.
“We fired up the car in early December, ran the Virtual Test Track programme in mid-December, completed the Silverstone shakedown on schedule, and arrived in Barcelona on time. For a new team, completing over 1,700 kilometres in three days represents a massive data gain.”
Lowdon stressed that meeting operational milestones only holds value if matched by forward performance trajectory. The initial mileage gathered during testing provides foundational data for validating aerodynamic correlation, mechanical balance and powertrain integration ahead of the season opener.
With the 2026 regulations reshaping both chassis and power unit architecture, Cadillac’s debut year will test not only its engineering capability but also its ability to integrate systems efficiently under competitive pressure. The coming months will determine whether its accelerated preparation translates into sustainable on-track competitiveness.
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