Cadillac has taken its first visible step onto the Formula 1 grid by unveiling a stealthy, monochrome testing livery that will be used during the Barcelona shakedown at the end of January.
The American manufacturer is set to become Formula 1’s 11th team in 2026, marking a major expansion for the championship and a landmark moment for General Motors’ global motorsport ambitions.
A Low-Key Look for a Big Moment
The temporary livery, revealed at General Motors’ Detroit headquarters by CEO Mark Reuss, features a clean black-and-silver colour scheme designed to mask the car’s aerodynamic details — a long-standing pre-season tradition in Formula 1.
While understated, the design still carries strong brand identity. Cadillac’s crest features prominently, and the nosecone includes the names of the team’s founding members across both the UK and the United States, reflecting the transatlantic nature of the project.
“Our new testing livery celebrates Detroit’s design heritage and the power of the global Cadillac Formula 1 team, while keeping our design secrets under wraps,” Reuss explained.
First Taste of Life as an F1 Team
Cadillac will run the monochrome livery during the Barcelona shakedown, the first on-track outing for its inaugural Formula 1 car. The team will operate under the leadership of Graeme Lowdon, with bases in Silverstone and the United States, and is already well into preparations for its maiden season.
For 2026, Cadillac has opted for experience behind the wheel, signing Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez — two proven race winners tasked with accelerating the team’s early development.
Official Race Livery Coming Soon
While the Barcelona design is strictly temporary, Cadillac has confirmed that its full 2026 race livery will be unveiled on 8 February — in an unconventional and high-profile way.
Rather than a traditional launch event, Cadillac will reveal its official colours during a globally televised Super Bowl advertisement, underlining the brand’s intent to connect Formula 1 with a broader American audience.
“Debuting our race livery during a globally televised championship broadcast challenges convention and brings Cadillac Formula 1 to a global audience,” said Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss.
Building the Bigger Picture
Alongside its race drivers, Cadillac has also strengthened its development pipeline. Former Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu has been confirmed as a reserve driver for 2026, while Colton Herta will contest Formula 2 as part of a long-term plan aimed at nurturing future F1 talent.
The Barcelona shakedown marks just the beginning of what promises to be one of the most closely watched new entries in modern Formula 1.
🛒 Fuel Your F1 Season with KXZ Store
As Cadillac gears up for its first laps in Formula 1, make sure you’re ready too. KXZ Store is your go-to destination for digital gift cards and top-ups, perfect for streaming race weekends, gaming between sessions, or even funding your race week in another country. Fast, secure, and easy — KXZ keeps you connected to the action wherever F1 takes you.
Final Thoughts
Cadillac’s stealthy Barcelona livery may be deliberately understated, but the message is clear: this is a serious Formula 1 project. With experienced drivers, strong leadership, and a bold approach to branding, Cadillac is laying the foundations for a high-profile arrival when the lights go out in 2026.
The real colours may still be under wraps — but Cadillac’s F1 era has officially begun.