New F1 Team Cadillac Starts Well, Aston Martin Has Problems

Formula 1 teams have started testing for the 2026 season. The new Cadillac team has had a good start, showing they are reliable. However, Aston Martin is struggling and is much slower than other teams. Other teams like Mercedes and Ferrari look fast.
By Newsroom | Formula 1, Motorsport |

The initial pre-season tests for the 2026 Formula 1 season have presented a mixed picture for teams. While a new entrant, Cadillac, has made a quietly effective debut, others like Aston Martin appear to be facing significant challenges from the outset. These early track sessions have provided valuable, albeit preliminary, data on car performance and reliability, offering a first glimpse into the competitive order for the upcoming year.

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The Road to 2026: What the Tests Show

The first pre-season tests in Bahrain and a shakedown in Barcelona have served as crucial data-gathering exercises. Teams are evaluating new car designs, engine configurations, and aerodynamic packages under real-world conditions. This period is vital for identifying issues and making necessary adjustments before the season officially begins. The stakes are high, with teams aiming to gain any potential advantage as they adapt to evolving regulations and technological advancements.

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Evidence from the Track

Data gathered from the Bahrain pre-season testing and the Barcelona shakedown highlights several key observations:

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  • New Entrant's Solid Start: Cadillac has demonstrated reliability and a respectable pace, completing a significant number of laps. Their efforts suggest a well-prepared debut.

  • Performance Gaps: Initial lap times indicate substantial differences between teams. Mercedes and Ferrari have shown strong performances, while Aston Martin has reported being significantly off the pace.

  • Reliability Concerns: Some teams have experienced technical issues. McLaren faced delays due to a fuel system problem, and Aston Martin encountered issues with their Honda engine partner.

  • Red Bull's New Power Unit: Red Bull is testing its first self-designed engine in conjunction with Ford, a major development that has drawn attention from rivals.

Cadillac: A Quiet Statement

The Cadillac Formula 1 team, a new addition to the grid, has made an encouraging start. Despite not being a focus of intense media scrutiny, their testing has been characterized by reliability.

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  • Consistent Running: Cadillac completed 107 laps during their opening day in Bahrain, a distance close to two Grand Prix lengths.

  • Meeting Deadlines: The team has met key development milestones, including the successful initial fire-up and shakedown of their first F1 car.

  • Operational Framework: The team is operating under TWG Motorsport, which manages Andretti's racing entities, indicating a structured approach to their entry.

Aston Martin: An Alarming Outlook

Aston Martin appears to be facing significant hurdles as the 2026 season approaches. Reports from the testing sessions indicate a considerable performance deficit.

  • Significant Time Deficit: Driver Lance Stroll reported the car to be "four to four-and-a-half seconds off the pace." His teammate, Fernando Alonso, also posted times substantially slower than the leaders.

  • Delayed Debut and Issues: The team's car debut in Barcelona was late, with Stroll completing only a few laps before the car stopped. Further issues with their Honda engine partner in Bahrain required additional analysis, impacting their track time.

  • Newey's Influence: The design, partly influenced by Adrian Newey, had generated anticipation, but initial on-track performance has not met expectations.

Red Bull's Engine Initiative

Red Bull is undergoing a significant internal development with its first self-designed Formula 1 power unit, in partnership with Ford. This initiative has caught the attention of other teams.

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  • Rival Scrutiny: Mercedes drivers have commented on Red Bull's new engine, with George Russell noting its apparent straight-line speed advantage.

  • Reliability: The new Red Bull engine has shown surprising initial reliability, earning praise for its early performance.

McLaren's Early Hiccups

McLaren experienced some setbacks during the initial testing phases, impacting their program.

  • Delayed Arrival and Fuel System Issue: The team arrived late for track running in Barcelona and later faced a fuel system issue that led to a loss of valuable testing time.

  • Pushing Deadlines: Team Principal Andrea Stella indicated a strategic decision to push development deadlines to maximize time spent on the new car, potentially contributing to the later issues.

Mercedes: Setting an Early Benchmark?

Mercedes has shown promising pace in the initial tests, leading some to believe they could be a benchmark for the season.

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  • Strong Lap Times: Drivers like Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have posted leading lap times, suggesting a competitive package.

  • Potential for Sandbagging: Rival teams, including Max Verstappen, have speculated that Mercedes might be holding back performance, a tactic sometimes referred to as "sandbagging."

Expert Analysis

"The initial tests always offer a snapshot, not the full picture. Teams like Aston Martin will be working furiously to understand and fix their issues, while the early pace from Mercedes and Ferrari is notable, but the true competitive order won't be clear until much later." - Unattributed F1 Analyst

"Cadillac's quiet approach is smart. It's about building a solid foundation. If they can maintain this level of operational execution and reliability, they can build on it throughout the season." - Unnamed F1 Team Source

"The 2026 regulations are complex. We're seeing teams grappling with new systems and aerodynamics. Some will adapt faster than others, and early reliability is often the key differentiator." - Formula 1 Technical Correspondent

Conclusion

The early stages of 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing have illuminated a developing narrative. Cadillac's methodical and reliable entry contrasts sharply with the evident struggles of Aston Martin. Red Bull's in-house engine development, McLaren's technical delays, and Mercedes's strong early pace all contribute to a dynamic and uncertain competitive landscape. These initial results serve as critical feedback for all teams as they prepare for the rigors of the upcoming season. The true performance and potential of each car will likely become clearer as teams move through further testing and the opening races.

Key Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the new Cadillac F1 team do in testing?
The Cadillac team had a good start. They drove many laps and showed they are reliable. This is a strong beginning for them.
Q: What problems is Aston Martin having?
Aston Martin is much slower than other teams. Their drivers said they are many seconds behind the fastest cars. They also had some technical problems.
Q: Are Mercedes and Ferrari fast?
Yes, Mercedes and Ferrari have shown good speed in the early tests. Some people think Mercedes might be even faster than they are showing right now.
Q: What is Red Bull doing?
Red Bull is testing a new engine they made themselves with Ford. It seems to be working well and is quite fast already.