Cadillac F1 Team Faces Significant Challenges Ahead

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has marked a significant moment in motorsport as the team faces considerable challenges ahead. The team’s testing program is set to resume on Wednesday in Barcelona, following a pragmatic debut that began with a successful shakedown at Silverstone.

Testing Program Overview

Cadillac was among the first teams to hit the track on Monday. Their approach allowed them to effectively prepare for the challenges they must overcome. Notably, they opted to skip a day of testing on Tuesday to focus on addressing issues that arose during their initial outing.

Performance and Lap Count

During Monday’s session, driver Valtteri Bottas completed 33 laps, including a longer run towards the end. Sergio Perez, who took over for the afternoon, managed only 11 laps as the team concentrated on resolving several challenges. By the end of the day, Cadillac was 6.5 seconds off the top pace.

Initial Impressions

Perez acknowledged that Cadillac is “good” despite facing “a lot of issues.” He emphasized that encountering problems early is beneficial for future progress, stating, “You want all the problems to come now.” This insight highlights the team’s focus on accumulating mileage and understanding their new vehicles.

Team Priorities and Challenges

Cadillac’s expectations for the 2026 season are realistic, anticipating they will initially occupy a position towards the back of the grid. The primary aim during the Barcelona tests is learning the intricacies of the car and enhancing teamwork. With only a prior test in a 2023 Ferrari and the Silverstone shakedown as their experience, there is much to learn.

Team Leadership Perspective

Team principal Graeme Lowdon conveyed the importance of taking a structured approach to testing. He recognized the complexities involved in operating these cars, stating, “These cars are incredibly complicated.” Lowdon indicated that debugging the vehicle systems is critical at this stage, emphasizing the need to solve identified problems thoroughly.

Looking Ahead

Cadillac is utilizing this week effectively, treating it as a “shakedown week,” which is crucial for their development. They aim to identify and address any issues now to ensure a smoother performance in the upcoming Bahrain tests.

• Driver Performance:
  • Valtteri Bottas: 33 laps (morning session)
  • Sergio Perez: 11 laps (afternoon session)
• Key Focus:
  • Accumulating mileage
  • Debugging vehicle systems
  • Improving teamwork
• Upcoming Events:
  • Testing Week: Barcelona
  • Future Tests: Bahrain

Through these efforts, Cadillac hopes to refine their operations ahead of a challenging season in Formula 1. With the right focus and preparation, they aim to position themselves for a competitive future.