Sergio Perez expresses heartfelt sentiments in a team radio message following Cadillac's inaugural shakedown for their F1 2026 season.
Cadillac has unveiled a touching clip showcasing Sergio Perez’s emotional communication with his team at the conclusion of this significant shakedown event. As Cadillac gears up for its first-ever season in Formula 1, they successfully completed initial laps with their 2026 car during a recent shakedown at Silverstone on Friday.
In an effort to share the excitement and achievements of this momentous occasion, Cadillac publicly shared Perez's team radio message after the shakedown, marking a rather unique move for the organization. The footage, which was shared across social media platforms by Cadillac, features Perez expressing his pride: “Guys, I’m extremely proud of all of you. This is a very special moment for Cadillac F1 Team. Let’s make history together. Thank you, guys.”
Both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are set to return as drivers for Cadillac in the upcoming 2026 racing season.
Following the shakedown, Perez, who previously drove for Red Bull and has won six F1 races, shared his exhilaration about being back on track after a year away from competition in 2025. In a statement released to PlanetF1.com, he reflected on the day, saying, “Today was really an amazing day. Everyone should feel incredibly proud to complete our first laps as a team. Each and every person has worked so hard to get to this moment, and it was emotional to be part of motorsport history. We can, and should, all enjoy, but it’s absolutely fired me up for more. I just want to get back in and get mileage – this is just the start.”
Bottas, who is also making his return to full-time racing after serving as a reserve driver for Mercedes last season, echoed Perez’s sentiments. He commented, “As a team, we made history today with the Cadillac Formula 1 Team car taking to the track for the first time. Checo put in the first laps with the car running smoothly. I’m proud of the whole team for getting to this point, which is really impressive. It was special to be part of this moment and witness the joy from the team. Our first day is done, and now we push on.”
Initially appearing in an all-black livery during the shakedown at Silverstone, Cadillac plans to unveil a vibrant color scheme that incorporates the names of team members into the design for their first official pre-season test in Barcelona next week.
This test will span five days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 26-30, with each team allowed a maximum of three days of running. Furthermore, Cadillac will introduce its race livery for the F1 2026 season in an advertisement scheduled to air during the Super Bowl on February 8, ahead of the final two tests in Bahrain.
For those eager to stay updated with exclusive insights from the F1 paddock, joining Cadillac's WhatsApp broadcast channel is a great way to receive timely news and developments directly from accredited journalists. Additionally, subscribing to the PlanetF1 YouTube channel offers access to exclusive features and firsthand stories from the heart of the Formula 1 experience.
