Bottas Explains Struggling Cadillac Return: 'It Hasn't Come My Way'

Valtteri Bottas has pinpointed car setup inconsistencies and a disrupted early-season rhythm as the primary factors behind his difficult Formula 1 return with Cadillac. After spending last season as Mercedes' reserve, the Finn has retired three times in seven races and sits adrift of teammate Sergio Pérez, though he insists circumstances have largely worked against him.

Why it matters:

Bottas's struggles underline how tough it is for seasoned drivers to slot into a new team after a year away from racing. While Pérez has adapted quickly to Cadillac's machinery, Bottas's early woes have already sparked premature exit rumors that the team has dismissed. Unlocking his pace is critical if Cadillac wants both cars fighting regularly in the midfield.

The details:

• Setup and feel: Bottas said the car often feels different than expected, with setup inconsistencies making it hard to build confidence. Brake issues have compounded the problem.
• Rust from time off: A lengthy April gap deprived him of crucial track time early on, and his year away from full-time racing only deepened the adjustment period.
• The head-to-head: He trails Pérez 5-2 in both qualifying and races, a stark contrast given the Mexican's quicker integration into the new outfit.
• Results: Three DNFs and a best finish of 13th in China have left Bottas with few opportunities to gather race data and refine his driving style.

What's next:

With races now arriving in quicker succession, Bottas is counting on added seat time to find the rhythm he has lacked. If Cadillac can stabilize the setup and eliminate the brake gremlins, he believes the results will follow. The next few rounds will be decisive in determining whether his rocky start gives way to a genuine midfield challenge.