Bottas Positive Despite Early 'Debugging' Issues in Cadillac's Barcelona Debut

Valtteri Bottas expressed a positive outlook following Cadillac’s first official Formula 1 outing at the Barcelona shakedown. After spending 2025 as a reserve driver, the Finn returned to the cockpit to complete over 30 laps, prioritizing system checks and "debugging" over outright lap times. While the team faced expected teething issues in the cold conditions, Bottas highlighted the unique challenge of building a team from scratch.

Why it matters:

Cadillac’s entry into F1 represents a significant expansion for the sport, and these early runs are critical for validating the team's readiness for the 2026 season. With a new set of regulations drastically changing car behavior, having an experienced driver like Bottas to provide feedback during this initial phase is invaluable for establishing a solid foundation.

The details:

• First Steps: Bottas completed just over 30 laps on Monday morning, finishing seventh on the unofficial timesheets. The session was not about pace but rather ensuring systems functioned correctly.
• Teething Troubles: The team encountered "some issues" throughout the day, which Bottas described as part of the debugging process. Cold morning temperatures further complicated the assessment of tire behavior.
• 2026 Regulations: The Finn noted a significant change in driving dynamics. The new cars generate less aerodynamic load, particularly in high-speed corners, but feature increased torque from the power unit and require active battery management.
• Team Spirit: Beyond the technical aspects, Bottas praised the environment at Cadillac. He emphasized the team's "fresh eyes" and dedication to starting from zero, calling the effort a "bigger challenge" than what established teams face.

Looking Ahead:

As the shakedown continues, the focus will remain on reliability and understanding the nuances of the 2026 regulations. Bottas and teammate Sergio Perez will likely ramp up their running in the coming days to gather more data before the season starts.