Cadillac F1 Targets Points by Summer Break as Bottas and Perez Anticipate 'Big Steps' Through Aero Upgrades

Cadillac drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas anticipate "big steps" in performance, targeting points finishes before the F1 summer break via aero updates.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 25, 2026, 7:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Foundation of Reliability in the Opening Rounds

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 has been characterized by a pragmatic focus on mechanical endurance over outright pace. While many new teams have historically struggled to simply reach the checkered flag, the MAC-26 has proven to be a reliable platform from the outset. Following a successful finish in its Melbourne debut, the team achieved a double finish in Shanghai, with veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez crossing the line in 13th and 15th respectively. According to team insiders, this baseline of reliability is the most critical asset for the new squad, providing the necessary mileage to understand the car's behavior under the complex 2026 technical regulations.

Closing the Qualifying Gap

Despite currently occupying the back of the grid, Cadillac has remained comfortably within the 107 percent qualifying threshold required to compete. In Australia, the cars were within four seconds of the polesitter, a margin that improved to 3.6 seconds in China. During the Shanghai Q1 session, the quicker of the two Cadillacs was just over two seconds off the leading pace. For a brand-new entity, these numbers represent a respectable starting point. According to Sergio Perez, the team’s current deficit is well understood, and the focus is now shifting from merely qualifying for the race to actively competing for positions within the midfield.

The Role of Veteran Experience

The decision to pair two of the grid’s most experienced veterans has provided Cadillac with a level of technical feedback rarely seen in a startup team. Both Perez and Bottas returned to the sport after a year on the sidelines, and their combined 20-plus years of experience are being leveraged to accelerate the car’s development. Perez noted that the project is "very different" from previous new entries because the resources and personnel—many of whom have been in the sport for decades—are already in place. This institutional knowledge is expected to be a primary driver in refining the team’s operational and strategic processes as the season moves toward the summer months.