Bottas: Cadillac’s Team Culture Feels “Great to Be Back”

Valtteri Bottas’ initial track time in Cadillac’s 2026 F1 car at the Barcelona Shakedown isn’t just a driver getting acquainted with new machinery; it’s a crucial litmus test for a program attempting a monumental task – entering Formula 1 as a fully-fledged constructor in a radically altered regulatory landscape. The American manufacturer faces a steeper climb than most, building an entire team from the ground up while simultaneously adapting to the next generation of power units and aerodynamic regulations. Bottas’ feedback, and the data Cadillac collects this week, will be pivotal in shaping their trajectory.

The 2026 season marks a seismic shift for Formula 1. The power unit regulations are undergoing their most significant overhaul in decades, moving to a 50/50 split between internal combustion engine power and electrical power. This necessitates a complete redesign of the powertrain, and teams are facing immense challenges in integrating these new technologies. Cadillac’s decision to partner with Ferrari for the power unit is a strategic one, allowing them to leverage existing expertise while developing their own chassis and aerodynamic package. However, even with this collaboration, the learning curve is steep.

Bottas’ comments highlight the initial hurdles. The cold track conditions exacerbated tire performance issues, a common challenge during winter testing. More significantly, he acknowledged “some issues” throughout the day, mirroring reports from other teams also grappling with the complexities of the new regulations. This isn’t unexpected; the Barcelona Shakedown is, by design, a stress-testing exercise to identify and rectify these problems before the competitive season begins. The fact that Bottas emphasized a collaborative and “fresh eyes” approach within the team is a positive sign, suggesting a strong internal culture is being fostered.

The Forward Look: The next few weeks will be critical for Cadillac. The priority, as Bottas stated, is to accumulate mileage and build a reliable package. Expect a relentless focus on data analysis and iterative improvements. The team will be meticulously scrutinizing the performance of the Ferrari power unit, identifying areas for optimization and integration with their own chassis. Beyond the technical challenges, Cadillac’s success will hinge on its ability to attract and retain top engineering talent. The team is competing with established F1 giants for expertise, and its ability to offer a compelling vision and competitive environment will be crucial. The Barcelona Shakedown is just the first step, but it provides a crucial early indication of Cadillac’s preparedness for the challenges ahead. Watch for consistent increases in lap count and a reduction in reported issues as the testing program progresses. Any significant, unresolved problems at this stage could foreshadow a difficult first season on the grid.