Bottas Faces Massive Adaptation Challenge with Cadillac for 2026 Season

Valtteri Bottas is preparing for a monumental shift as he joins Cadillac for the 2026 season, navigating what he calls the biggest regulation changes of his career. Alongside Sergio Perez, Bottas must adapt to a car with drastically different handling characteristics while integrating into a brand-new team environment.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's success in their debut season hinges on how quickly their experienced driver lineup can decode the new rules. With significant uncertainty regarding power unit performance and car behavior, Bottas's feedback will be vital in establishing the team's competitive footing against established manufacturers.

The details:

• Radical Changes: Simulator work indicates the 2026 cars will have less downforce and smaller tires, resulting in more sliding and higher torque out of corners.
• New Systems: With DRS removed, drivers must master complex power unit management, including overtake and boost modes, to facilitate passing.
• Team Building: Bottas is focused on building relationships with his new race and performance engineers to maximize the team's efficiency.

Looking ahead:

The competitive order remains a total mystery heading into pre-season testing. While the sheer number of unknowns is daunting, Bottas believes Cadillac’s decision to be a customer team allows them to focus purely on chassis development, a strategic advantage for a new entrant.