F1 2026 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying Results
July 19, 2026
Ferrari facilitated Sergio Perez Cadillac F1 test debut at the iconic Imola Circuit, officially marking a new chapter in his Formula 1 career.
The two-day session, conducted in a blacked-out 2023 Ferrari SF-23, was a pivotal moment for the Mexican driver and the newly formed Cadillac F1 team as they prepare for their official 2026 debut.
The test was not only a technical milestone but also a symbolic one, representing the convergence of American ambition and European engineering as Cadillac steps into the world’s most competitive motorsport series.
The Imola test run was organized under the FIA’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations, which allow new teams to use older Formula 1 machinery for development and familiarization purposes.
Since Cadillac does not yet have its own car, the team arranged with Ferrari—its engine supplier—to run one of Maranello’s 2023 challengers.
The SF-23 stripped of its usual branding and painted in an all-black livery was driven by Perez who also wore black overalls and helmet, further emphasizing the secretive nature of the test and the team’s desire to keep a low profile during this crucial phase of preparation.
Perez’s return to the cockpit was significant, as it marked his first time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car since his departure from Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season.
The Mexican driver who has been a regular visitor to Cadillac’s UK and US bases since signing with the team earlier in the year, has been actively involved in simulator sessions and engineering meetings.
However, nothing compares to the real-world experience of driving an actual F1 car, and the Imola test provided Perez with the opportunity to refresh his skills and assess his physical condition after a year away from racing at the highest level.
Cadillac F1 team officially confirms power unit and gearbox supplier ahead of debut
Colton Herta to join F2 while serving as Cadillac F1 test driver in 2026
The atmosphere at Imola was charged with anticipation, as approximately 20 Cadillac personnel joined forces with 30 Ferrari staff to conduct the test.
The collaboration between the two teams was evident, with engineers and mechanics from both organizations working side by side in the pit boxes.
For Cadillac, this was the first time their engineers and mechanics had been together in a live environment, running through procedures and validating the work done in the simulator.
The test was as much about communication and teamwork as it was about data collection and performance evaluation.
Perez himself acknowledged the importance of the test, not just for his own preparation but for the broader development of the Cadillac team.
“I think it is great to get the running and also the timing works perfectly because it is just before the January test,” he told F1.com. “On these two days, on the physical side, I want to see how much I have lost, where I need to work on. It will give me a very good guide for the winter.
“I’m curious, you know, to find out how many laps my neck will do before it gets destroyed. But it’s a great test and a great way to finish the year before getting back in the car next year.
“It is a chance to start working together with the team, with the engineers, with the mechanics and start to speak the same language. It is definitely a great time for us.”
With Sergio Perez Cadillac F1 test debut now complete, teammate Valtteri Bottas will have to wait longer as he remains under contract with Mercedes as their reserve driver until the end of the season.
READ MORE: Official Cadillac F1 team drivers: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez confirmed for 2026
