Preparations for Cadillac\u2019s inaugural season in Formula 1 are ramping up ahead of the F1 2026 campaign.<\/p>\n
It has recently confirmed its simulator drivers in addition to other statement appointments, while PlanetF1.com understands it is closing in on its first real-world test outing.<\/p>\n
Cadillac\u2019s F1 2026 preparations accelerate with key development<\/p>\n
The Graeme Lowdon-led operation is scaling up sharply ahead of its maiden season.<\/p>\n
Former Audi man Adam Baker has joined General Motors, where he will play an integral part in the development of the squad\u2019s power unit, set to be introduced in F1 2029. Former Miami GP president, Tyler Epp, has also joined the TWG-owned squad to head its commercial operations.<\/p>\n
It has bolstered its driving ranks too, securing the services of IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud<\/a> as one of its simulator pilots, together with Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood.<\/p>\n PlanetF1.com understands efforts\u00a0to get the team on track even before pre-season testing early next year have also progressed.<\/p>\n As an all-new operation, the squad is both without a car and in need of bedding down processes to familiarise staff.<\/p>\n The team has simulated full race weekends as they\u2019ve played out in real life, with engineers working from a remote operations centre.<\/p>\n However, without a car, getting out on track\u00a0is a more complicated issue.<\/p>\n Lowdon has explained the intent behind the track running, which is to blow off the cobwebs for the mechanics and engineers in a real world scenario.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not looking to do this test to engineer something, which is what a lot of the other teams are looking to do at the minute,\u201d Lowndon said on the Beyond the Grid podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want the mechanics to get used to regain that muscle memory of working with a live car, it doesn\u2019t have to be a Formula 1 car. It\u2019s good if it is.\u201d<\/p>\n PlanetF1.com understands Cadillac will observe a test as it looks to build connections, teamwork, and communication within the garage.<\/p>\n Under Formula 1\u2019s regulations, the facility exists for Cadillac to potentially run a rival\u2019s car. Such an arrangement would need to be signed off by the FIA, which in itself is not insurmountable as Haas and McLaren have recently demonstrated with using some of their allowed mileage for television pieces, though limitations surrounding testing of previous cars (TPC) add to the degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n That could prompt the operation to head down the \u2018historic\u2019 route.<\/p>\n The regulations allow for the testing of historic cars (THC), defined as cars from at least four seasons old, which would meet Cadillac\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reality is, I wouldn\u2019t get too hung up on whether it\u2019s TPC, THC, whatever, or even whether it\u2019s an F1 car,\u201d Lowdon explained.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat we want is an environment where the mechanics get used to each other, and learn everyone\u2019s way of doing things.\u201d<\/p>\n Given the stated ambition of the test, it\u2019s also plausible that a non-formula racing car could be employed \u2013 though no doubt there is a desire to have the machinery as comparable, and contemporary, as possible.<\/p>\n Read more on Cadillac\u2019s F1 effort<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\u00a0Cadillac F1: Everything you need to know about the new 11th team<\/a><\/p>\n