Cadillac made its Formula 1 debut 468 days after its entry was approved. The team participated in the Australian Grand Prix, with Sergio Perez finishing in 16th place, while Valtteri Bottas retired on lap 16. Despite a slow start, Cadillac completed all nine pre-season testing days and accumulated valuable data. During qualifying in Melbourne, both Perez and Bottas struggled, with Perez 3.1s off the pace. The race was challenging for Cadillac, as they faced difficulties in performance compared to their rivals. However, the team remains optimistic and focused on improving their pace in future races.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon expressed disappointment over Bottas’ early retirement due to a steering wheel problem. Meanwhile, Perez battled with Liam Lawson but finished in 16th place. The team adjusted strategy mid-race to help Perez gain more experience with different tire types. Despite the modest performance, Cadillac sees their debut race as a respectable achievement and a stepping stone for future growth.
Both Bottas and Perez acknowledged the challenges faced during the race but remained positive about the team’s progress. Closing the performance gap with midfield teams will be a significant task for Cadillac, focusing on improving cornering speed and mechanical grip. Despite setbacks, the team plans to continue developing and closing in on their competitors in upcoming races. The team emphasizes the importance of gathering data and learnings from each race to progress further in the championship. The journey ahead may be challenging, but Cadillac remains determined and competitive to achieve their goals.
