The newest team to join Formula 1 continues its development push, arriving at the Japanese Grand Prix with small aerodynamic updates, including modified vertical panels on the floor.
Cadillac continues its learning curve
The American squad, led by Graeme Lowdon, is preparing to take part in only its third Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend at Suzuka. The team is aware of the large performance margin still to be exploited and is working on multiple fronts. Operationally, the team, despite months of preparation throughout 2025, still needs to fine-tune pit stops and car setup details.
Development work is ongoing for the MAC-26, especially after pre-season testing in Bahrain and the first two races in Australia and China. A deeper understanding of energy usage and recovery from the Ferrari-supplied power unit remains crucial, alongside continuous mechanical and aerodynamic improvements to the car.
Mirror updates following Australia issues
The first change for the Suzuka cars driven by Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez concerns the rearview mirrors. This update was primarily aimed at addressing issues that arose during free practice at the Australian Grand Prix. In Melbourne, both Bottas and Perez lost at least one mirror each. The team took this step for safety reasons, but it could also offer minor aerodynamic benefits.
Diffuser fence adjustments for improved downforce
The second update involves a critical area: the diffuser. The so-called “diffuser fences,” or vertical panels on the diffuser, have been modified. Under the new technical regulations, these panels are higher from the ground than on previous ground-effect cars, allowing the team to exploit the rake setup more effectively.
Additional minor aerodynamic changes are expected at Suzuka, all with the same goal: to increase downforce when the active aero is closed, improving performance in mixed and cornering sections.
Team principal Graeme Lowdon highlights progress
“From Australia to China, we have made significant steps forward in a relatively short time,” said Graeme Lowdon, Cadillac F1 team principal. “We are improving rapidly, session by session. We are learning more and more about ourselves as a team.”
“Even our on-track performance is improving each time we go out because we understand the car better and can make it increasingly reliable.”
Sergio Perez: Suzuka will be challenging but exciting
Sergio Perez confirmed the team’s focus on generating more downforce, anticipating a difficult weekend at Suzuka. “I can’t wait to drive at Suzuka. It’s a track for real drivers, and I’ve even stood on the podium there in the past. The high-downforce setup will make our weekend quite challenging, but our approach won’t change,” he said.
Cadillac’s journey in the 2026 championship is one of rapid evolution. Based on the content of the updates brought to Suzuka, the team is successfully transitioning from solving basic reliability “niggles” to hunting for genuine aerodynamic performance.
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