Cadillac's Half Term Report: Teething Troubles and Glimmers of Hope

Cadillac's first foray into Formula 1 was never going to be smooth sailing, and the first half of the 2026 season has certainly proven that. The team finds itself at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship, yet there are glimmers of hope, thanks largely to the seasoned expertise of drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

Best Finish Valtteri Bottas managed to secure Cadillac's best result of the season so far, finishing 13th at the Chinese Grand Prix. Despite starting in 20th and having a close encounter with teammate Perez on the first lap, Bottas capitalized on the misfortunes of others to climb the ranks. It's worth mentioning that four drivers didn't start the race, and three others retired, which certainly helped his cause. Still, it was a noteworthy performance amidst a challenging season.

Qualifying Head-to-Head In the intra-team qualifying duel, Sergio Perez holds a narrow lead over Valtteri Bottas with a 6 to 5 scoreline. Perez has shown a knack for extracting a bit more speed in one-lap situations, though neither driver has cracked Q2 yet. The pair have had their ups and downs, each settling for the dreaded P22 at times, but also achieving their best qualifying result of P18—Perez in Monaco and Bottas in Silverstone.

Race Head-to-Head When it comes to race day, Perez has outperformed Bottas six times to three, underscoring his ability to navigate the chaotic midfield battles. Bottas, however, has managed to finish ahead in China, Canada, and Belgium, albeit with Perez suffering from technical retirements in two of those races. Cadillac's reliability has been a sore point, with multiple DNFs for both drivers due to issues like suspension failures and overheating.

Best Moment The Monaco Grand Prix saw Perez deliver a standout performance, initially finishing 10th and seemingly securing Cadillac's first-ever F1 point. However, a post-race penalty for a grid position infringement dashed that dream. Despite the disappointment, the race demonstrated the team's potential to capitalize on unpredictable circumstances and compete for points.

Worst Moment Cadillac's ambitious upgrade package for the Austrian Grand Prix was a lesson in humility. Hopes were high, but reliability issues plagued the weekend, leading to both drivers retiring early. Bottas managed only two laps, while Perez fared slightly better before overheating issues ended his race.

Moving Forward Cadillac has a strong foundation with seasoned drivers and experienced team figures, but the novelty of being a new team is fading. As competitors like Aston Martin roll out significant upgrades, Cadillac must keep pace. Addressing reliability issues is a priority, along with improving qualifying and race pace. Achieving a Q2 appearance or scoring a point would be a tangible milestone, offering a much-needed morale boost. With the right car, Perez and Bottas have the skill to make an impact in the midfield battles.