Cadillac is still facing difficulties in the 2026 Formula 1 season, but Valtteri Bottas assured that the current scenario was already expected by the team. The Finn stated that he knew the challenges before signing the contract and pointed out the main weakness of the car at the start of the season.
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After four rounds contested in 2026, Cadillac occupies tenth place in the championship and is in a direct battle with Aston Martin in the last positions on the grid. So far, the team’s best result was 13th place achieved by Bottas at the Chinese GP.
Even with performance below most competitors, the experienced driver made it clear that there is no frustration within the project: “There is no frustration, that was exactly why I signed,” Bottas said when asked about the difficult start for the North American team.
The Finn highlighted that Cadillac already anticipated difficult moments in its debut season in Formula 1. According to him, despite the discreet results, there are less visible areas where the team has already managed to improve the car’s pace.
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Bottas also commented on the update package brought to Miami. According to the driver, the novelties showed positive results, although there is still some inconsistency among the components used in the MAC-26: “The updates worked, but not all the parts are the same as those we put on the car, so there is still a bit of inconsistency, but that is improving,” he said.
Furthermore, the former Mercedes driver revealed which sector Cadillac currently suffers the most: “Our weakness is in medium and high-speed corners,” he added. However, the characteristic of the Montreal circuit may offer a better opportunity for the team.
The driver believes that the Canadian track could reduce part of the disadvantage faced so far: “Montreal has only low and medium-speed corners, so I hope we are closer there,” Bottas concluded, showing confidence in a possible improvement at the Canadian GP.
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