Cadillac says Bahrain test was squeezed, but Bottas and Perez’s feedback jumpstarts development
Summary
Cadillac’s new F1 squad felt “squeezed” during its three‑day Bahrain test, yet seasoned drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez supplied fast, accurate feedback that is already guiding chassis and power‑unit work ahead of the 2026 season.
Cadillac’s debut F1 programme says its three‑day Bahrain test felt “squeezed,” but veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez delivered rapid, precise feedback that’s already shaping the car’s development.
Why it matters:
- For a new team, driver insight compresses the learning curve and cuts costly trial‑and‑error.
- Accurate handling data now informs chassis and power‑unit integration well before the 2026 debut.
The details:
- 315 laps over three days in Sakhir, largely trouble‑free.
- Together, Bottas and Perez have 527 GP starts, 16 wins and helped Mercedes/Red Bull win all seven constructors’ titles (2017‑2023).
- Their “super‑accurate, thoughtful, valuable” feedback on tyre grip, brake balance and aero feel lets engineers act instantly, not guess.
- Run plans were squeezed; no performance runs yet, but useful data came from every stint.
What’s next:
- Cadillac will refine chassis and power‑unit based on feedback, aiming for a solid baseline before pre‑season tests.
- Longer FIA testing windows later this year will allow validation of aero upgrades and tyre strategies.
- With Bottas and Perez already up‑speed, the team hopes to turn that into consistent midfield points from race one.
Original Article :https://racingnews365.com/cadillac-feel-squeeze-in-f1-testing-despite-fundamenta...