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SERGIO PEREZ SET FOR STUNNING FERRARI TEST RUN

Cadillac F1 is set for its first track test next month at Imola. Sergio Perez will drive a 2023 Ferrari in a crucial systems check, kicking off the team's intensive 2026 preparation program.

Sergio Perez Set for Stunning Ferrari Test Run
Perez to Get Behind the Wheel of Ferrari at Imola - COURTESY/PHOTO

Next month, at Imola, Cadillac F1 driver Sergio Perez and his new squad will intensify their 2026 preparations. The Mexican driver will compete on a 2023-spec Ferrari.

After playing in a charity football game on Thursday, Perez, 34, revealed new information about the upcoming Testing of Previous Cars session, which will see the new Cadillac team take to the track for the first time—albeit with a car provided by the Scuderia. Perez is in Mexico City this weekend for Formula One's visit.

Before a full-scale development program begins early next year, Perez revealed that the Imola excursion will act as a critical systems check for the driver and crew.

"In November, we will have some testing sessions," he stated.

"We will be able to collaborate with the engineers and mechanics to have the entire team prepared for the testing program that starts in January – very early in the year – where we will already be at 100%, so they will be extremely helpful."

Before the American company starts testing its own vehicle in 2026, the test will provide Cadillac's engineers and operations team with a live track setting to practise processes using Ferrari's SF-23.

Cadillac's Partnership Is Underway


Perez and Cadillac have already made significant progress in their partnership. He recently visited the company's Charlotte headquarters before spending time at Silverstone, where he spoke with engineers, played simulators, and even gave comments from the cockpit.

In order to be ready for the Imola debut, the team has been practising race weekend procedures during this period, including pit stop choreography and garage communications.

Before his formal return to the grid, Perez uses the off-season to hone all of his skills.

To be prepared for the return, he stated, "For the time being, my attention is on working fully in the simulator and on the physical side."

The Mexican motorist is obviously loving his new environment thus far.

"Having a staff that values you, listens to you, and supports you is always fantastic. Every driver aspires to have it," Perez continued.

The Imola test next month will be Cadillac's first public appearance as it transitions from a daring idea to a legitimate Formula One squad.

Additionally, it marks the beginning of a brand-new adventure for Perez, one that may see the driver and manufacturer work together to create history.

OSCAR PIASTRI VS LANDO NORRIS: MCLAREN EXTENDS EQUAL RACING POLICY DESPITE F1 CRITICISM

Despite past criticism, McLaren CEO Zak Brown confirms the "papaya rules" of driver equality will remain for F1 2026, backing the policy that secured their double title.

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McLaren Keeps Fair Policy for F1 2026

McLaren CEO Zak Brown hinted that the team will keep its papaya rules between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the F1 2026 season.

This season, McLaren got their first drivers' and constructors' title double since 1998, keeping the teams' championship with six races left.

The team had to wait until the final race in Abu Dhabi to get the drivers' title, with Norris beating Red Bull's Max Verstappen by two points.

Norris's win made him the 11th British world champion and the first McLaren driver to win the title since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.

McLaren had a policy of total fairness during the F1 2025 season, not supporting one driver over the other, even though Norris and Piastri both had good point advantages during the season.

The team's approach was often criticised, especially after the race in Qatar, where Piastri and Norris didn't pit under an early safety car.

At the time, Piastri and Norris were in first and third place, but they ended up finishing second and fourth after missing a free pit stop, while Verstappen won the race.

At the FIA's prize-giving gala on Friday, Brown said he was happy about Qatar and how McLaren won both titles by being fair to Norris and Piastri.

He also said that the policy would continue next season, saying it’s exactly what we plan to do in F1 2026.

He said, “A great season.

“Everyone at McLaren has done a great job, led by our two drivers.

“And thanks to the job Andrea has done leading our team.

“To go into the final race with two drivers fighting for the world championship, when everyone said that it was impossible, I’m just very proud of how McLaren went racing, and that’s what we plan to do next year.”

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said, “The drivers are the ones who do the job.

“They are the ones that deliver the results, the points, the wins, and the podiums, which made us the constructors’ champions.

“We are also very aware of how the drivers acted, allowing McLaren to go racing.

“That’s what we do—we go racing—and we did it with equality and fairness, so thank you to Lando and Oscar.”

NO IMPACT: HELMUT MARKO CONFIDENT MAX VERSTAPPEN SUCCESS WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT MENTOR

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko confirms his retirement, stating that four-time champion Max Verstappen is now independent and doesn't need his guidance.

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Marko Confirms Red Bull Exit After F1 Title Heartbreak

Helmut Marko, Red Bull's motorsport advisor, is sure Max Verstappen will be fine without him. He said his leaving won't have any negative effect on the Dutch driver.

After more than 20 years with Red Bull, Marko announced he would leave. The announcement came after the Abu Dhabi GP, which closed the season.

Marko, at 82, has seen it all in Formula 1. He says he still has the energy to keep going if he wants to.

Marko had thought about retiring if Verstappen tied the record with a fifth straight driver's title. But since Lando Norris beat the 28-year-old, he thinks now is still the right time to leave.

"I still have energy, but that's not the point," Marko told oe24. The point is to keep my enthusiasm and passion for the job. That's what I planned if we won the title.

Since we didn't win, I changed my mind and thought it should still apply now. You have to know when it's time to stop. I was the one in charge.

Marko and Verstappen had a strong relationship. However, the four-time world champion couldn't make a planned meal with Marko.

Max couldn't come to the dinner because of flight issues, Marko said. But we'll meet soon. I don't know if it will happen before Christmas.

Since Verstappen started in Formula 1, Marko has always been there to support him.

They became a strong pair. Marko knows that the Red Bull star doesn't need him anymore.

Things change, so you have to react differently. No one left here because of a fight. Max is old enough now, and he doesn't need anyone to explain things to him. Max is great—he doesn't need anyone.

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