Valtteri Bottas is relishing the opportunity to influence car design at Cadillac, a freedom he never had with previous F1 teams. The Finnish driver highlights his active role in shaping the car setup, including steering wheel design, as a unique experience.
Valtteri Bottas is discovering a new dimension to his F1 career at Cadillac, where he enjoys a level of involvement in car design that previously eluded him at other top teams. Having raced for Williams, Mercedes, and Sauber in its Alfa Romeo days, Bottas is no stranger to the paddock. Yet, Cadillac, as a fresh face on the grid, offers him something different — the chance to help shape the car from the ground up. "I've never been part of designing a steering wheel layout or choosing the exact buttons for the wheels," Bottas shared with _Sky Sports F1_. For him, the ability to select his own steering ratio and be part of the vehicle's design is "super cool." This experience stands in stark contrast to the established teams he’s driven for, where change often comes with more baggage. Bottas has completed two of the first three races this season with Cadillac, a commendable start for a new team. While his teammate Sergio Perez has managed to finish all three races, Bottas's insight and experience are invaluable as the team finds its footing. "We've both seen what works with a good team and what doesn't," Bottas noted, emphasizing how their collective experience is shaping a team-first approach at Cadillac. After serving as Mercedes' Reserve Driver in 2025, Bottas returned to the grid with a renewed appreciation for the sport. "I appreciate being part of the sport, especially the racing side of it," he said. This gratitude fuels his drive and could provide an edge for Cadillac as they aim to establish themselves in F1.