The Cadillac team revealed this Tuesday (13) its special test livery for the pre-season shakedown of Fórmula 1 in Barcelona. The monochromatic design in shades of black and silver will be used at the private event between January 26th and 30th at Circuit of Catalunya, at Espanha. The presentation took place at the new global headquarters of General Motors in Detroit, led by President Mark Reuss, during the building’s inauguration celebrations.
The provisional scheme follows the category’s tradition of camouflaging sensitive aerodynamic details during the first runs. Grandes geometric patterns in glossy and matte finishes run across the car, while the iconic Cadillac crest dominates the rear to hide technical surfaces. Essa approach allows for early development without exposing innovations before the official season.
The livery differs completely from the definitive racing version, scheduled for reveal on February 8 during a global broadcast in between the Super Bowl. The choice reinforces the team’s strategy of innovating in communication with a global audience.
The countdown to the grid continues introducing the @CadillacF1 Testing Livery 👀pic.twitter.com/hRc3pM8mDm
—Cadillac (@Cadillac)January 13, 2026
Monochromatic design and symbolic elements
The clean layout combines elegance with practical functionality for testing. Padrões vertical geometrics create a restrained visual sequence that helps to disguise the bodywork.
The enlarged coat of arms on the rear acts as a central camouflage element. Essa solution protects technical secrets at a time of major regulatory changes for 2026.
Names of the founding members of the team, both Estados Unidos and Reino Unido, appear incorporated into the design, especially in the nose region. The detail recognizes the transatlantic effort to make the project viable.
Collaboration between GM and F1 team
The creation resulted from a partnership between the Design Global team at General Motors and the technical team at Cadillac Fórmula 1. The union integrated American automotive heritage with specific requirements of the category.
Mark Reuss highlighted that the design celebrates the tradition of Detroit while maintaining secrecy about innovations. Ele stated that the shakedown in Barcelona marks just the beginning of the journey.
Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1, emphasized the commitment to innovation on and off the track. The partnership with General Motors allows us to rethink traditional Fórmula 1 standards.
Preparations for the private shakedown
The event in Barcelona brings together all teams for basic checks of the new cars under the 2026 regulations.
Pilots Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas will begin development work with the single-seater. The period collects crucial data ahead of official testing on Bahrein in February.
A replica of the car with the special paintwork remains on display at Salão of Automóvel of Detroit until January 25th. The public can take a closer look at the team’s first look in the category.
Context of the debut in the 2026 season
Cadillac enters as the 11th team on the grid, with bases in Silverstone and Estados Unidos. The operation relies on experienced professionals and engines supplied by Ferrari.
New rules from 2026 bring changes to aerodynamics, hybrid systems and sustainable fuels. Essas changes can balance the grid and offer opportunities for debuting teams.
The shakedown begins the practical phase of the project, focusing on reliability and initial adjustments. The competitive debut takes place at Grande Prêmio of Austrália, in Melbourne, on March 8th.
