Silverstone based Cadillac F1 team race in sport for first time

The Silverstone-based Cadillac F1 team completed their first grand prix as they saw their drivers take part in the Australian Grand Prix.

Having been granted approval to race in F1 for the first time in 2026, Cadillac F1 took to the grid for their debut appearance in the motorsport series, with the race making the team F1’s first new start-up entry since Haas in 2016.

Cadillac F1, who have a base at Silverstone along with 2 further factory bases in the United States and access to Toyota’s wind tunnel facilities in Germany, became the 174th unique constructor to enter the sport, having previously been granted approval in 2024 to join the sport after several years of lobbying.

The team’s first race would ultimately see the team fail to score points on debut. Sergio Perez finished 16th, with the Mexican finishing in 16th position and 3 laps down on race winner George Russell. Teammate Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, suffered a mechanical failure after 19 laps and did not finish the race.

Despite failing to score points, Perez said that the team still had positives to take from their first ever F1 race entry.

He said, “Our first race as a team is done. Completing the race is incredible and a real achievement just one year after the entry was confirmed. Now this is over, we need to move on to adding performance so we can really race hard. We’re feeling competitive within the team, and that’s the attitude we need from now on to be able to close the gap and aim for something big.”

Bottas admitted disappointment that he was unable to finish the race, but like his teammate, said that the team still had positives to take into the next race in China.

He said, “We made history as a team today. Our first-ever Grand Prix weekend, and we’re here, we’re racing, and that’s a proud moment for everyone. It’s a shame that the race was cut short for me due to a fuel system problem, but we learned a lot. The team did a great job to finish the race with Checo’s car. There’s still a lot of positives to take from this weekend, and it’s only the very start of this journey together. I enjoyed the process and can’t wait to get to China and try again.”

Graeme Lowdon, the Cadillac F1 Team Principal, said that he was of the belief that the team can still nonetheless develop from this starting base.

He said, “I’m really happy with the performance of the team. We had some issues with Valtteri’s car, which was a real shame. It was great to see the Cadillac Formula 1 Team bring its first car home. We’re up against incredible competition, who we have huge respect for, but I’ve got enormous belief in the team that we’re building here. This is a really good start to our journey.

“I want to say a special thanks to everybody in the team — in Indianapolis, in Charlotte, in Silverstone and in Germany with the wind tunnel. Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has allowed us to build what I truly believe is going to be a very special race team.”