Cadillac’s Formula 1® team is steadily progressing as it aims to score its first championship points during the 2026 season. Drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have shared insights into the challenges and opportunities the team faces as it seeks to break into the points-paying positions.
So far in 2026, Cadillac has yet to register points, but the team has demonstrated consistent development. Perez and Bottas, both experienced drivers, are playing key roles in guiding the new outfit through its debut season. Perez initially crossed the line in tenth place at the Monaco Grand Prix, which would have earned the team its first point, but a post-race penalty demoted him, handing the point to Aston Martin instead.
Looking ahead, Perez believes that if Cadillac can find roughly half a second to eight tenths of a second in performance after the summer break, the team could realistically contend for points. He also noted that chaotic races might open further opportunities. Perez expressed pride in the foundations Cadillac has established during its first season in the sport.
Bottas, meanwhile, has faced setbacks with several retirements caused by mechanical issues, which have limited his chances to score points. He is focusing on steady, incremental improvements rather than expecting immediate results. According to Bottas, scoring points this season would require either a significant leap forward in performance or some degree of luck during races.
Cadillac’s single-lap pace has shown to be more competitive than its race pace, but progress is evident, especially when compared to Aston Martin, which has not introduced recent developments to its car. This relative performance gain suggests that Cadillac is closing the gap gradually, even if points remain elusive for now.
Both drivers’ assessments underline the cautious optimism within the team. While the goal of scoring points remains challenging, the steady improvements and experience brought by Perez and Bottas provide a platform for potential breakthroughs. The period following the summer break will be critical for Cadillac as it looks to capitalize on its progress and seize opportunities in the races ahead.