Bottas reveals root cause behind Cadillac’s chronic brake problems

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Cadillac has finally identified the source of the brake troubles that have disrupted its first Formula 1 season, with Valtteri Bottas explaining how overheating has triggered a chain reaction of failures across the car.

The American team has endured a difficult debut campaign, with reliability proving a bigger obstacle than outright performance. Repeated brake failures have become a familiar sight, affecting both Bottas and teammate Sergio Perez at several races.

The issue reached another critical point at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where Bottas was forced to retire after his left-front brake caught fire on lap 15. The Finn had to use the pit wall to help slow the car before stopping and extinguishing the flames himself.

Brake overheating causing wider damage

Cadillac had introduced new brake ducting at the Hungaroring in an attempt to improve airflow and prevent overheating, but the solution proved insufficient.

Bottas admitted the demanding nature of the circuit and extreme temperatures exposed the remaining weaknesses.

“That new front ducting was trying to address this issue and trying to prevent it from happening, but clearly we still need more airflow in the brakes,” he said.

“That’s clear from today. But again, it was quite extreme conditions [and an] extreme track.”

The veteran driver explained that the problem does not simply affect brake performance but can ultimately destroy crucial components when temperatures spiral out of control.

“So, the brakes, they just get too hot, and it gets to the point that inside everything starts to burn,” the Finn added.

“And that obviously destroys everything. Actually, on the in lap, I lost the brakes fully because I think the brake lines must have burned. So, that’s why I had to stop the car against the wall.”

Cadillac faces race against time

Bottas and Perez both retired from the Austrian Grand Prix earlier in the season because of brake-related issues, while the Finn also suffered similar setbacks in Monaco and Barcelona.

Although Cadillac hoped Hungary’s revised brake package would mark a turning point, Bottas warned that a definitive fix is unlikely to arrive immediately.

With Formula 1 now enjoying its summer shutdown before returning at Zandvoort, the team has limited time to make further changes.

“I don’t think we’ll have anything for Zandvoort,” he said. “Well, hopefully something for the brakes, but nothing performance-related.”

“But at some point, there’s going to be a point that we’re going to focus 100% for next year.”

Cadillac’s opening season has highlighted the challenges facing any new Formula 1 entrant.

While the team has shown flashes of promise, solving its recurring reliability problems remains the priority before it can fully focus on closing the performance gap.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.