Cadillac returns to the track this weekend, from August 21 to 23, for the Dutch GP, the 12th round of the 2026 Formula 1 season. The race at the Zandvoort circuit also marks Marcin Budkowski’s first race as team principal.
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“A Sprint weekend in Zandvoort is an energetic and engaging way to start my journey at Cadillac,” said Budkowski. “This is my first week with the team, and the Dutch Grand Prix is my first opportunity to observe our track team in action.”
The manager intends to use the event to get to know the team better. “I will take time to meet everyone – although there are many familiar faces – listen to them and understand how the team operates.” According to him, Cadillac has “a solid foundation to build on” and is ready to advance in the second half of the season.
Located among the dunes of North Holland, Zandvoort is a narrow, winding, and uneven circuit. Both Cadillac drivers have experience at Zandvoort and have stood on the podium at the circuit during their junior careers. Since F1’s return, Sergio Pérez has scored points in all four appearances at the Dutch GP. Valtteri Bottas has also competed in four editions and was on the podium in 2021.
“After an intense first half of the season, it’s good for everyone to have some rest time in August, but it’s also great to be back at a racetrack,” said Pérez. “The second half of the season presents a new range of challenges but also, hopefully, great opportunities, and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m excited to quickly adapt to Marcin and the rest of the team.”
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Bottas highlighted the challenge of the Sprint format and the track’s characteristics: “The Dutch Grand Prix will be an interesting test, with the Sprint weekend format requiring everyone to be at their best from the moment we arrive at the circuit.”
About Zandvoort, the Finn adds: “From a driver’s perspective, it’s a challenging circuit, with fast and flowing corners that help establish a good rhythm. The banking is also fun – we don’t see that often in an F1 car.”
The 2026 Dutch GP takes place from August 21 to 23 and F1MANIA.NET brings full and LIVE coverage.
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