In the first tests of the 2026 Formula 1 preseason, Sergio “Checo” Pérez and the Cadillac team drew attention by posting engine and performance data that were not part of the initial forecasts for the American project. In a context where the debuting team was expected to face technical difficulties, the numbers and the car’s behavior provided indications of competitiveness that contrasted with what many predicted before the cars hit the track.

The Mexican driver was a key figure both on and off the track. Beyond lap time, Cadillac’s engine data showed consistent and stable power delivery, without the peaks of variability that often accompany a new structure in its first testing miles. Checo, with his experience and technical understanding, was in a position to maximize the information gathered, something that was highlighted by engineers and analysts present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Inside the team, there is also a different atmosphere than many expected. Although Cadillac is a newcomer with little history in Formula 1, the focus on reliability and engine compatibility with the power unit has generated positive signs. Technicians noted that the integration between chassis, engine, and auxiliary systems has made it possible to achieve respectable lap times compared to other contenders, without sacrificing stability in the powertrain.

For Pérez, the key is not only the timed performance but the growth potential shown by the package. The Mexican has worked closely with engineers to decode the behavior of the power unit, collecting valuable feedback that will be fundamental for the next phases of technical development. The stated goal is to use preseason testing to solidify what has already been seen, rather than simply piling up mileage without deep analysis.

Cadillac’s engine data showed power delivery capable of sustaining high pace in race simulation stints, something that in previous seasons belonged to more experienced teams. That contrast has led many observers to reconsider how far the project can go in its debut year, although it is still too early to draw definitive projections.

Another aspect that stood out was the consistency of performance across different sessions. Unlike tests where rookie teams alternate long work periods with mechanical setbacks, Cadillac was able to complete its programs without major incidents, making it easier to collect useful data for later adjustments.

Technicians consulted emphasized that the stability of the engine and power unit was one of the factors that allowed Pérez to push the car with confidence. In a discipline where every electronic and mechanical detail matters, reducing technical uncertainty from the very first tests represents a strategic advantage for the upcoming sessions in Bahrain and the official runs.

Pérez also referred to the working atmosphere within the team: the driver feels that the power unit and the rest of the car are responding in a way that aligns with internal expectations, which has created a focus on technical development rather than on timed results. For him, on-track growth must be steady and methodical, especially when approaching a new season with a project that needs to build step by step.

While some teams faced minor challenges in their tests, Cadillac and Pérez put together a smooth working day, with engine data that allowed for an upward learning curve. Although many tests still lie ahead, the early signs have been enough for the team to think in terms of real progress rather than simply fixing failures, a difference that can mark the line between a frustrating preseason and a solid working foundation for the competitive year to come.

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