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Pérez Leads Cadillac’s First On‑Track Run at Imola in Black Ferrari SF‑23

The exercise served as operational training for a new crew using a loaned 2023 Ferrari under F1’s TPC rules.

Overview

  • Sergio Pérez completed 99 laps over two days without major incident at Imola, recording a best time of 1:18.82.
  • The session used a two‑year‑old Ferrari SF‑23 repainted black to train Cadillac personnel before the team’s 2026 entry.
  • Around 50 staff supported the run—about 30 from Ferrari and 20 from Cadillac—under team leadership including Graeme Lowdon and Peter Crolla.
  • Lowdon said the goal was to drill procedures rather than chase performance, stressing, “we are not testing the car, we are testing the people.”
  • Valtteri Bottas did not participate due to his Mercedes contract; Ferrari will supply power units for 2026–2027 as GM targets its own engine by 2028.