Cadillac faces challenges as Mario Andretti urges Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez to regain form. Mario Andretti reflects on Cadillac’s F1 struggles.

Mario Andretti has once again discussed his pair of drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Cadillac faces a tough challenge improving on-track performance, which, after three races, has been rather disappointing. The first upgrade package is expected for the Miami Grand Prix, promising some improvements.

Andretti’s analysis

“The main thing I really care about is hearing what the drivers think, because that’s ultimately the most important aspect,” Andretti said. “I think both of them are a little rusty. They’ve both been away from the cockpit for at least a full season. With the new package and everything else, they’ll be cautious at first, but the goal is to climb back up [in the standings]. From the initial feedback, it’s clear we’re lacking a bit of aerodynamic downforce, especially in terms of rear stability. That’s what I keep hearing from both of them,” he added.

Bottas and Perez in the Cadillac garage

“The other aspect is trying to fully understand how to get the most out of the power unit in terms of energy deployment, taking battery charge and all other factors into account. But this isn’t our only problem. We’re not the only team facing these challenges. Aside from Mercedes and Ferrari, it seems everyone else is also searching hard for ways to maximize their situation.”

Discussions around the current regulations are already leading to possible adjustments, making this season far from predictable. “It will be interesting to see how the season develops, and who will truly manage to take control of the situation,” Mario Andretti concluded. All that remains is to wait and see whether Cadillac can really step up their performance.

The Cadillac F1 project is currently weathering the “growing pains” typical of a new entrant in such a technically complex era. Mario Andretti’s focus on driver feedback therefore suggests that while Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez may be “rusty,” their veteran experience will be vital in diagnosing the rear stability issues currently plaguing the car. As the team heads to Florida, the primary mission is to bridge the gap in power unit management—a hurdle that is currently separating the top-tier manufacturers like Ferrari and Mercedes from the rest of the pack. The Miami updates will be the first real test of Cadillac’s ability to react and evolve in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.