Cadillac's F1 Struggles Tied to Brake Issues, Says Team Boss

Cadillac's debut in Formula 1 has been a bumpy ride, with team principal Marcin Budkowski admitting that earlier brake issues have had a lingering impact on the team's performance. While the American manufacturer has shown some promise by staying closer to the pack than initially expected, it still trails behind other teams like Aston Martin in terms of progress. Budkowski highlighted that reliability improvements have taken precedence over performance gains, which has kept Cadillac at the back of the grid.

"As a new team, we have a lot to work on," Budkowski explained to Sky Sports. "From garage operations to managing parts and ensuring quality, everything is new and needs improvement. There were clear areas where massive steps were needed, particularly in reliability."

Addressing the brake issues has consumed significant resources, both in terms of personnel and budget, leaving development efforts lagging. Budkowski likened development to interest, noting that "the performance you don't find today is performance lost for the future." The team's focus has been on prioritizing efforts where they matter most, a strategy Budkowski implemented shortly after joining the team.

The timing of Budkowski's appointment, right before the Dutch Grand Prix, was unexpected as Graeme Lowdon, who played a crucial role in Cadillac's entry into F1, was ousted. Despite the timing, Budkowski is optimistic about the team's ongoing learning process. "Every lap, race, and session is an opportunity for learning," he said. "We have the highest proportion of team members without F1 experience, and they are coming together well."

Cadillac faces the challenge of competing against ten other established teams, all of which are highly competitive. Looking to the future, Budkowski is hopeful that the lessons learned this season will lead to a stronger performance next year. "We have a big step to make, and we will make it," he asserted. "Whether it's enough to compete for points remains to be seen, but that's our ambition."

Cadillac's journey in F1 has been marked by addressing immediate challenges while laying the groundwork for future success. With new hires from top teams like Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari, the team is gearing up for a more competitive 2027 season.