Valtteri Bottas Urges Cadillac to 'Manage Expectations' for F1 Debut

Valtteri Bottas is setting a clear directive for Cadillac ahead of its 2026 Formula 1 debut: manage expectations and be realistic. As F1's 11th team prepares to join the grid, Bottas, who will partner Sergio Perez, emphasizes the monumental task of starting a new operation from scratch, especially with radical technical regulation changes on the horizon.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's entry into F1 marks a significant expansion for the sport, being the first new team since Haas in 2016. However, history shows that new entries often face a steep learning curve. Bottas's cautionary stance highlights the inherent challenges and the need for a pragmatic approach, setting a realistic tone for fans and the team alike as they aim to establish themselves against seasoned competitors.

The Details:

• New Team, New Rules: Cadillac will debut in 2026, a season marked by a significant overhaul in F1's technical regulations, adding another layer of complexity to their entry.
• Experienced Line-up: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will form an 'uber-experienced' driver pairing, both returning to the grid after a year away in 2025.
• Leadership Team: Former Marussia team boss Graeme Lowdon will serve as Team Principal, with ex-Benetton, Renault, and Williams engineering chief Pat Symonds joining as an executive engineering advisor.
• Engine Deal: Cadillac will be powered by a customer Ferrari engine.
• Bottas's Optimism and Caution: Bottas acknowledges that everything appears to be on schedule with “no big hiccups” so far, but stresses the difficulty of building from the ground up. He advises lower initial expectations, focusing on understanding their position and the rate of progress.
• Mercedes Commitment: Bottas's current role as Mercedes' reserve driver presents a 'unique situation', limiting his full involvement with Cadillac's preparations. He balances his current responsibilities with providing key input through online meetings and historical data, while prioritizing his Mercedes duties.
• Perez Partnership: Bottas speaks positively about working with Perez, describing him as 'calm' and 'easy to work with'. He believes their combined experience will allow them to prioritize team goals over individual rivalry, fostering a collaborative environment.

What's next:

The initial phase of Cadillac's F1 journey will be crucial for establishing foundational performance and understanding the new regulations. While the experienced leadership and driver lineup provide a strong base, the true test will be how quickly they can adapt and develop in a highly competitive environment, aiming for steady improvement rather than immediate success in their debut season.