Overview

• Team boss Graeme Lowdon says testing will begin this year using a car at least two years old through a cooperation with another outfit, with Ferrari viewed as the likely partner given its engine deal.
• Cadillac is already running integrated race‑weekend simulations, including a Monza drill involving 50 to 60 engineers across UK and US bases to rehearse operations for Melbourne 2026.
• Valtteri Bottas remains Mercedes’ reserve for the season, and Lowdon says a formal handover is being coordinated as Toto Wolff indicates Mercedes will allow participation in Cadillac events.
• Sergio Pérez, currently unattached, plans imminent factory visits and says he may drive later this year to sharpen up before winter testing.
• Expert reaction is split: Alexander Wurz and Jacques Villeneuve back the experience‑first approach for early team building, while critics such as Ralf Schumacher argue younger talents were overlooked and note that experience does not guarantee pace.