Why Valtteri Bottas won’t take part in Cadillac’s first F1 test as Sergio Perez drives a unique Ferrari

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Cadillac’s preparations for the 2026 Formula 1 season are well and truly underway as they begin testing with an old Ferrari car in Imola.

Sergio Perez will be manning the SF-23 for two days, in a bid to get himself and his new colleagues up to speed.

The reason Cadillac are using an old Ferrari car is that they have an engine agreement with them, which made a partnership both easy and obvious.

Unfortunately, they’ll be without their other driver, Valtteri Bottas, but it does offer Perez the chance to get back in the groove after nearly 12 months away from racing.

Cadillac’s new project ‘excited’ Perez, and a big reason why he decided to return to Formula 1 was so that he could embark on a challenge.

After being quizzed on his return, Carlos Slim ‘100%’ denied Perez’s return being due to sponsors, with his long-term confidant and backer coming to his defence. His experience is a valuable commodity.

READ MORE: How Sergio Perez is already using his time at Red Bull to help his new F1 team Cadillac

Valtteri Bottas won’t be at Cadillac F1’s first test due to Mercedes contractual ties

Bottas was ‘surprised’ by a Cadillac factory tour and left impressed with how advanced the team is ahead of making their debut.

Fortunately, joining at the start of the 2026 F1 regulations means that they will be on a similar playing field to their rivals.

Perez has been doing ‘invaluable’ work at Cadillac since he signed for them in the summer, since he isn’t contractually tied to anyone. Their first test is a crucial step.

It helps get everyone at the team up to speed, including their mechanics who may have little or no experience in a race setting.

Unfortunately, due to his ties with Mercedes, which don’t expire until the end of the year, Bottas is not able to participate in the test.

The test is being overseen by the team’s manager, Peter Crolla, who occupied a similar role at Haas for two years between 2022 and 2024. The SF-23 they’re using is quite unique, with a completely blank livery.

READ MORE: Cadillac now look set to sign rival F1 team’s ‘incredible’ talent to be Sergio Perez’s 2026 reserve

Cadillac boss Graeme Lowdon shares what Sergio Perez’s test is designed for

Cadillac have established a plan with Perez which helps to include him in a lot of their technical meetings. It’s something that will be an advantage to them down the line.

Any extra preparation they can get in will be useful, and no doubt their debriefs from the Imola test will be detailed.

Speaking to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com about what they’re using the Imola test for, team boss Graeme Lowdon’s stance was clear.

“We’re not testing the car, we’re testing people,” he said. “The advantage we want is for our mechanics to have the same experience as those who work in the F1 pitlane every day.”