Andretti on Cadillac F1: Progress evident, drivers 'rusty'

Cadillac F1 board member Mario Andretti reports clear progress for Formula 1's newest team, halving its qualifying deficit in just two races, but notes veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez are still shaking off race rust. The team's focus is on methodical development, with drivers carefully managing their running to avoid creating unnecessary workload as they identify key areas like rear-end stability for improvement.

Why it matters:

The entry of a new, well-backed team like Cadillac, carrying the legendary Andretti name, injects fresh competition and narrative into the F1 grid. Their early ability to show tangible improvement, rather than just making up the numbers, is a positive sign for the long-term health of the sport and the potential for a more competitive midfield. The experienced driver lineup is a calculated gamble to accelerate development.

The details:

• Measurable Gains: Andretti highlighted that Cadillac reduced its qualifying gap from four seconds off the pace at its debut in Melbourne to two seconds in Shanghai, a significant step forward in a short timeframe.
• Driver Feedback: The primary feedback from both Bottas and Perez centers on a need for more downforce, particularly to improve rear-end stability of the MAC-26 car.
• Shaking Off Rust: Andretti candidly assessed that both drivers are "a little bit rusty" after each spent at least one season out of a full-time race seat, influencing their cautious approach to testing and practice.
• Strategic Caution: The drivers are consciously avoiding incidents or mistakes in early sessions that could set the small team back with extra repair work, prioritizing data gathering and clean running.
• Power Unit Learning Curve: Beyond chassis balance, Andretti noted the entire grid outside of top teams is on a steep learning curve with the new 2026 power units, specifically in managing energy deployment and battery charging strategies.

What's next:

The immediate goal for Cadillac is to continue its trajectory of cutting the deficit race-by-race. With experienced leadership from Team Principal Graeme Lowdon and consultant Pat Symonds, the team is built for steady development. Andretti's role as a sounding board and iconic figure provides moral support, but the onus is on the engineers and drivers to unlock more performance. The season will be a story of whether this methodical approach can see Cadillac climb from the back and challenge established teams by year's end.