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Cadillac Clears FIA Homologation for 2026 F1 Car, Paving the Way for January Shakedown

The approval keeps the start-up on schedule for a January shakedown to begin gathering real-world data.

Overview

  • The mandatory tests covered the survival cell and the entire rear structure, including a 52G frontal impact and a dynamic rear impact with an 875kg object.
  • Passing allows the team to target a January rollout followed by the behind-closed-doors collective test in Spain later in the month.
  • Team principal Graeme Lowdon says the program is prioritising delivery over performance as facilities ramp up, so the first iteration will be immature.
  • Roughly 85,000 components must be produced or sourced for 2026, and any late item could disrupt test or race plans.
  • With only a brief two-day run at Imola in a borrowed 2023 Ferrari as reference, Cadillac views early mileage as vital and expects to iterate through Bahrain testing before the Australia opener.