Andretti: Dual Finish Would Be 'Huge Victory' for Cadillac F1 Team

Mario Andretti, the 1978 Formula 1 World Champion and a director for the new Cadillac F1 team, has declared that simply getting both of its cars to the finish line in their debut Australian Grand Prix would constitute a "huge victory." With drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez starting from 18th and 19th on the grid, the legendary American racer emphasized pride in the team's rapid assembly and a focus on incremental progress in its first race.

Why it matters:

For any new Formula 1 team, the primary objective in its first grand prix is reliability and simply seeing the checkered flag. This is especially true for Cadillac, which received the official go-ahead just a year ago and is competing against established, decade-old operations. A clean dual finish would validate the team's foundational work, build crucial data, and serve as a critical morale boost for the long-term project, proving they "belong here" from the outset.

The Details:

• Speaking to Sky Sports F1 on the grid in Melbourne, Andretti expressed immense pride in the team's journey from concept to reality in just one year.
• He singled out team principal Graeme Lowdon's role, calling the assembly of the operation a "phenomenal job" and "a miracle," highlighting the blend of experienced personnel within the new organization.
• Driver Context: Andretti acknowledged the proven pedigree of Bottas and Perez but noted the inherent "learning curve" for both, as each driver is returning to the cockpit after sitting out the 2025 season.
• Realistic Expectations: The team's starting position at the back of the grid sets a clear, achievable initial goal: completing the race distance without major issues to gather experience and reliability data.

What's Next:

The Australian GP is the first step in what Andretti stresses is a "long-term commitment." Success for Cadillac in Melbourne won't be measured by points or podium positions, but by operational smoothness and car durability.

• A clean finish for both cars would provide an invaluable baseline of real-world racing data to develop the car throughout the season.
• It would also solidify team chemistry and processes, setting a foundation upon which to build performance and gradually climb the competitive order in the races to come.