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Perez Drives Loaned Ferrari as Cadillac Stages Imola Rehearsal for 2026 F1 Entry

Ferrari loaned a 2023 SF-23 under previous-car rules to give the new team a live drill on operations before its debut.

Overview

  • Cadillac ran a two-day operational test at Imola using a 2023 Ferrari SF-23 in unbranded black, with the days allocated by Ferrari under FIA Testing of Previous Cars provisions.
  • Team principal Graeme Lowdon said the exercise was focused on practicing garage procedures, radio communication and pit work rather than chasing performance.
  • Around 30 Ferrari personnel supported about 20 Cadillac staff at the circuit, following a Fiorano shakedown by Arthur Leclerc earlier in the week.
  • Sergio Perez turned his first F1 laps since December 2024 and used the outing to assess fitness and help align engineers and mechanics on common processes.
  • Valtteri Bottas did not take part due to his Mercedes reserve contract through 2025, as Cadillac readies a 2026 debut as F1’s 11th team using Ferrari power units.