On Thursday, Sergio Pérez took to the track at Imola. In preparation for his Cadillac debut, the seasoned Mexican driver tested a Ferrari SF-23, decked out in a black livery. As the new Cadillac team does not yet have its own test cars to rely on, they turned to Scuderia. After all, Ferrari maintains close ties with Cadillac; the Italians will supply engines for the American racing team until 2028.
It was a unique sight at Imola this morning; Sergio Pérez made his first laps as a Cadillac driver – in a Ferrari SF-23. The car – with which Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz participated in the championship in 2023 – was decked out in a pitch-black livery for the occasion. The car was also devoid of sponsor logos, making Pérez appear like a black phantom on the asphalt. If Batman ever purchases a Formula 1 car, it would probably look like this.
Ferrari Power
It’s hardly surprising that Pérez is testing in a Ferrari on behalf of his new employer. Cadillac will only start supplying its own Formula 1 power unit from 2029 – until then, the Americans will use Ferrari power. For Checo, who hasn’t driven a Formula 1 car since last year, it was an ideal opportunity to warm up his racing skills. After his dismissal from Red Bull, the 35-year-old Mexican watched Formula 1 from the sidelines.
On Friday, Pérez will be back in action at Imola, again in the Ferrari SF-23. His future teammate, Valtteri Bottas, is not yet participating. The Finn is still under contract with Mercedes and only occasionally steps into the simulator for Cadillac.
