Bottas expects tough debut for Cadillac but ‘the sky’s the limit’

Cadillac F1’s newly signed driver Valtteri Bottas is brimming with enthusiasm for the American team’s ambitious venture, insisting “the sky’s the limit” for Formula 1’s eleventh entrant that will join the grid in 2026.

The 36-year-old Finn will form part of Cadillac’s all-new driver line-up alongside Sergio Perez, with the duo confirmed this week to spearhead the U.S. outfit’s maiden campaign.

Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, Bottas described a sense of fresh excitement as he joins the start-up project, while cautioning that the team must remain grounded about its early ambitions.

“I signed a while ago but for me, once we had the announcement in New York, that's really when it hit me,” Bottas explained. “It's almost the same feeling as when I started, like I'm an F1 driver again, so it feels great. I feel like a kid.

“It's a really exciting, interesting project for me. Obviously, they've got a great structure already. They have big plans for the future and, for me, being part of something that you can really start from a blank page, a new Formula 1 team, there's so much input that I can put into it.

“I know there's a lot of work to do, but I think it's really exciting starting something new and being part of it.”

A Fresh Start with Big Ambitions

Bottas, a seasoned veteran with 12 seasons in Formula 1, brings a wealth of experience from stints at Williams, Mercedes- where he secured 10 race wins – and Sauber.

For him, joining Cadillac represents a thrilling opportunity to shape a team from the ground up.

“It's a really exciting, interesting project for me,” he enthused.

“Obviously, they've got a great structure already. They have big plans for the future and, for me, being part of something that you can really start from a blank page, a new Formula 1 team, there's so much input that I can put into it.

“I know there's a lot of work to do, but I think it's really exciting starting something new and being part of it,” he added.

With major regulation changes looming in 2026, including updates to power units and car designs, Bottas sees a window for Cadillac to make a mark, even as a newcomer.

Tempering Excitement with Realism

Despite his optimism, Bottas remains grounded about the challenges ahead. The Finn acknowledged that Cadillac’s inaugural season could be a steep climb, with the team needing to focus on foundational goals.

“We need to be realistic,” he conceded. “I need to be realistic on the targets. The main thing is, first of all, to be there at the first test in January, to finish the first race, and then we kind of go from there.

“So, mentally almost kind of preparing for the worst, that it's going to be a difficult start, but you never know.”

Bottas is no stranger to the grind of Formula 1, and he’s preparing for a marathon rather than a sprint.

“It is a new regulation change again in Formula 1 with the power units and with the cars, so there can be opportunities, but we will take it step by step,” he said.

“By working hard and then eventually seeing the fruit, that's going to be the thing that keeps me going.”

Cadillac’s Long-Term Vision

Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 signals a serious commitment to the sport, and Bottas is confident in the team’s staying power.

“The sky's the limit for the team,” he said. “There's obviously a target to make progress as quickly as possible.

“The team is going to be here to stay for a long time in F1, so I'm not going to set a result target or anything, but we want to see progress and we want to be successful.

• Read also: Cadillac plots private track test with partner in late 2025

“As I said, the starting point could be tricky, but there's only a way up from there and that’s exciting. They're serious. They're not here to finish last. And that is really encouraging and good to see.”

With a blend of youthful excitement and hard-earned pragmatism, Bottas is ready to steer Cadillac toward a bright future.

For Cadillac and its fans, that’s a prospect of thrilling things to come.

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