Cadillac sought to minimize any signs of internal wear, following recent statements by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas about the car’s development. The team principal, Graeme Lowdon, stated that the criticisms are part of the Formula 1 dynamic and praised the work done by both drivers.
Read more F1: Szafnauer points to the origin of Aston Martin’s current crisis
These comments from the drivers had different tones. While Perez showed dissatisfaction with the speed of the car updates, Bottas took a more optimistic view of the project’s evolution. For Lowdon, this difference in stance does not represent a problem and is common in a team in formation.
The director highlighted that experienced drivers naturally push for improvements, but believes both found the right balance: “It is perfectly normal to have criticism. It would have been very easy for them to try to pressure a new team too quickly, but that didn’t happen. A certain level of tension is needed to always improve and I think they got the level right,” he said.
Read more F1: Coulthard rules out Verstappen leaving Red Bull during summer break
Lowdon also recalled that there were doubts about the choice of Perez and Bottas when Cadillac started its Formula 1 project. According to him, despite the experience accumulated by both, there were reasons for both to be off the grid in 2025. Still, he emphasized that each arrived at the program by different paths.
While Bottas remained in the category’s paddock in 2025 as Mercedes’ reserve and test driver, as well as having participated in the development of the 2026 car, Perez spent a year completely away from the tracks after being released by Red Bull Racing at the end of 2024. The Cadillac chief described this difference in trajectory as ‘interesting’ and revealed he was curious to see how each would work on the new project: “There were quite different factors behind both results, but on the track both did a really spectacular job, considering the circumstances. It rarely happens that we ask them to do the same things,” concluded the Cadillac chief.
Read more F1: McLaren admits greater impact than expected with new engine
