Cadillac keeps pushing: more upgrades for Monaco as Perez says, “We’re learning race by race”
Cadillac heads to Monte Carlo
Another important test awaits Cadillac as the American team prepares for one of Formula 1’s most demanding weekends. The streets of Monte Carlo provide a unique challenge for both drivers and engineers, with the narrow layout leaving virtually no room for error and punishing even the smallest mistake.
Determined to continue its development trajectory, the team backed by Mario Andretti will arrive in Monaco with further upgrades for the MAC-26. Following the update packages introduced in Miami and Montreal, Cadillac will once again bring new components, including a revised rear wing and modifications to the exhaust outlet area. The aim is to improve performance through the slow-speed corners that define the Monaco circuit.
While this will be Cadillac’s first appearance in the glamour of Monte Carlo as a Formula 1 team, both of its drivers have plenty of experience around the famous street circuit. Sergio Perez famously won the Monaco Grand Prix in 2022 with Red Bull, while Valtteri Bottas secured a podium finish in the Principality during the 2019 season.
Looking ahead to this weekend’s event, both Cadillac drivers shared their thoughts on the team’s progress and expectations.
Sergio Perez encouraged by recent progress
“We took a big step forward in Canada. I was able to race in the midfield both in the Sprint and in the Grand Prix,” Perez explained.
“Obviously, there are still areas where we need to improve, but everything here is very new. We are constantly learning and making progress together as a team, step by step, race by race. Monaco is a unique and extremely challenging circuit, but it’s one of my favourite races on the calendar. I love street circuits, and I have some really great memories of my victory here in 2022, so I hope we can continue our progress this weekend.”
The Mexican driver believes the team is gradually unlocking more performance and is eager to see whether the latest upgrades can help Cadillac move closer to the established midfield contenders.
Valtteri Bottas focused on long-term development
Valtteri Bottas acknowledged that the opening phase of the season has not always been straightforward, particularly on his side of the garage, but remains confident about the direction in which the team is heading.
“The last few races have been a little complicated on my side of the garage. We’ve had some issues, but that was to be expected with a brand-new team,” Bottas said.
“It’s all part of the learning process. We know that progress takes time, but the team and I are working very closely together to make those steps forward. Clearly, we are improving and becoming more competitive session after session, which is exciting. It’s no secret that Monaco is challenging, but it’s a place where I love racing. I’m excited to see what we can achieve.”
With another package of upgrades set to debut and confidence growing inside the team, Cadillac will be hoping Monaco can provide further evidence that its development programme is moving in the right direction. On a circuit where driver confidence and precision can sometimes outweigh outright car performance, both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will be aiming to maximize every opportunity and continue the team’s steady climb up the Formula 1 grid.
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