Cadillac is targeting another competitive Formula 1 weekend at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix after showing encouraging progress in Mexico City. The American team believes its recent improvements could help it deliver another strong performance at Interlagos, where Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will look to build on one of Cadillac’s most promising weekends of the season.
Formula 1 is preparing for the final round of its triple-header across the Americas, with Interlagos presenting one of the calendar’s most distinctive challenges. Changes in elevation, unpredictable weather and the technical demands associated with altitude frequently make the Brazilian Grand Prix one of the most unpredictable events of the year.
Cadillac therefore heads to São Paulo with renewed confidence, although the team remains fully aware of the difficulties presented by the Brazilian circuit. Its optimism follows an encouraging performance in Mexico, where the car demonstrated some of its strongest pace of the 2026 campaign.
Cadillac F1 aims to confirm progress at the Brazilian GP
Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski believes the Brazilian Grand Prix will provide an important test of whether the improvements demonstrated in recent races represent genuine progress. The team is particularly encouraged by its performance against its closest competitors in Mexico City.
“We are coming off our most competitive race of the season in Mexico City, where our pace relative to our direct competitors showed encouraging progress.”
Those comments reflect the growing confidence within a team that is beginning to see the benefits of its development work throughout the year. However, Budkowski also recognises that Interlagos presents a demanding technical challenge, requiring careful compromises in the car’s setup.
“It’s a short and challenging lap, with significant elevation changes, where achieving high-speed stability in the first sector while preserving traction through the more technical middle section requires a precise setup compromise.”
The Polish manager also confirmed that Cadillac has identified and addressed the technical problem that affected Valtteri Bottas during the Mexico City Grand Prix.
“Following our post-race investigations, Valtteri suffered a suspension failure, and we have implemented corrective measures for the future.”
Resolving that issue will be particularly important as Cadillac attempts to convert its improved competitiveness into another positive result during the final weekend of the American triple-header.
Sergio Perez targets another strong performance at Interlagos
Sergio Perez also heads into the Brazilian Grand Prix feeling positive about Cadillac’s recent progress. The Mexican driver praised the characteristics of Interlagos and highlighted the importance of responding quickly to the changing conditions that can define a race weekend in São Paulo.
“Interlagos is one of the most iconic circuits on the Formula 1 calendar and always produces spectacular racing. The weather conditions can also make things very unpredictable, so it will be important to adapt quickly and make the right decisions as a team.”
After receiving considerable support during his home Grand Prix in Mexico, Perez is determined to conclude the triple-header with another encouraging performance. His focus remains on maintaining the team’s recent momentum and making further progress.
“I hope we can put together a convincing performance and continue making progress as a team.”
The Mexican’s role in Cadillac’s first Formula 1 campaign has also attracted attention beyond the circuit, including his established commercial partnerships and commercial influence within Formula 1.
Valtteri Bottas looks to bounce back after Mexico suspension failure
Valtteri Bottas shares his team-mate’s determination to deliver a positive result in Brazil. Following the disappointment of his retirement in Mexico City, the Finnish driver is eager to return to the cockpit and complete a trouble-free race weekend.
“After a difficult end to the weekend in Mexico, I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel at Interlagos. We’re focused on putting together a trouble-free weekend and finishing this run of races on a positive note.”
With Cadillac having implemented corrective measures following its investigation into the suspension failure, Bottas will be looking to benefit from the team’s improved competitiveness while avoiding a repeat of the problems encountered at the previous race.
Colton Herta returns to Cadillac F1 car for Brazilian GP FP1
Another significant development during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend will be the return of Colton Herta to the cockpit of the Cadillac MAC-26 for the opening free practice session. The American driver will continue his development programme with the team, gaining further experience behind the wheel of its Formula 1 car.
Herta believes his previous outings have helped him become increasingly comfortable with both the machinery and the engineering personnel working alongside him.
“Every time I’ve been in the car this year, I’ve felt more comfortable and more in tune with the engineering team. My aim is to execute the run plan flawlessly and provide the best possible data to start the weekend.”
His participation in FP1 will form another part of Cadillac’s preparations for the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the team seeking to gather valuable information before the competitive sessions begin.
Between its determination to confirm the progress demonstrated in Mexico and the uncertainties traditionally associated with Interlagos, Cadillac arrives in Brazil believing it can conclude the American triple-header with another encouraging result. For the full weekend timetable, including practice, qualifying and the race, see the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix schedule.
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