Formula 1's newest team, Cadillac, has completed races in Australia, China, and Japan with both cars, marking progress after initial reliability issues. Drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas now emphasize the need for greater downforce to close the gap to midfield rivals. They anticipate a significant upgrade package for the Miami Grand Prix.
Cadillac entered Formula 1 this year as the 11th team, achieving its first start and finish in Australia, followed by finishes in China and Japan. The team resolved early problems, including a fuel pump issue, allowing a shift toward performance gains. In Suzuka qualifying, Cadillac trailed the midfield's bottom by about 1.2 seconds, a solid showing for a rookie outfit despite introducing minor upgrades in Japan. Sergio Perez said, 'It's clear that we need a second now and I really hope that we are bringing a big upgrade for Miami. That will be the biggest test for the team.' He identified downforce as the primary shortfall, noting, 'Balance itself is not too bad, it's just that we are lacking the load.' Perez added that rivals like Williams and Alpine consistently find pace, staying within reach. Valtteri Bottas echoed the focus on aerodynamic load, praising the Japan update—a re-profiled diffuser—that added rear-end stability. 'We gained a bit of load, especially on the rear end, and hopefully a bigger step in Miami,' Bottas stated. He noted the car's balance is already decent, providing a foundation for progress, with more developments planned during the April break. 'There's a lot in the pipeline, which is good,' Bottas said. The Miami upgrade represents Cadillac's next major challenge to contend with midfield competition.