Bottas begins preparations with Cadillac F1 Team ahead of 2026 debut
Valtteri Bottas has officially started his role at the Cadillac F1 Team, undergoing a seat fit and meeting personnel at their Silverstone base. The experienced Finn aims to use his knowledge to help the new team build strong foundations as they prepare to fire up their first car before Christmas.
Valtteri Bottas has officially begun his preparations with the Cadillac F1 Team, marking a significant step for both the driver and the new constructor as they build towards their 2026 debut. The Finn, returning to the grid after a year as Mercedes' reserve driver, completed his initial seat fit and integrated with team personnel at their Silverstone headquarters, calling it a "proud moment" to start this new chapter.
Why it matters:
Cadillac's entry represents one of the most anticipated new team projects in recent Formula 1 history. Having an experienced, 10-time race winner like Bottas onboard from the very beginning is crucial for establishing operational procedures, developing the car, and setting a professional culture. His integration signals the team's transition from planning to active preparation.
The details:
The team is working towards a critical pre-Christmas milestone: firing up its first Formula 1 car. A shakedown run is scheduled for January, ahead of the official pre-season test in Barcelona from January 26-30. To hone its operational skills, Cadillac recently borrowed a Ferrari SF-23 for a practice session at Imola, where Bottas' future teammate, Sergio Perez, took part.
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon emphasized the importance of Bottas' arrival, stating it was "great to finally have Valtteri onboard and integrated with the team" after months of planning. He highlighted the collective effort, calling Formula 1 "the greatest team game in the world" and noting how well a talent like Bottas fits into their structure.
What's next:
All focus is on the imminent car build and initial track running. Bottas and Perez are set to sample the team's maiden machine for the first time next month during the shakedown. The success of these early operational tests will be vital for building momentum before the intense scrutiny of the Barcelona test and the season opener. For Bottas, it's the beginning of a mission to help build a competitive team from the ground up.