Cadillac has introduced another aerodynamic development for the MAC-26 at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, revising the front wing’s outer section to generate a stronger outwash effect. The American team hopes the update will help it move away from the final row of the grid and begin challenging more consistently for a place in Q2.
Performance is gradually improving during Cadillac’s debut Formula 1 season, but reliability remains a serious weakness. The MAC-26 is still an extremely young project, and repeated mechanical problems have prevented the team from fully converting its progress into stronger race results.
Cadillac continues its Formula 1 learning process
Cadillac became the latest constructor to join the Formula 1 World Championship when it entered as the grid’s 11th team. The American operation is continuing its steep learning process with two highly experienced drivers in Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
Cadillac’s first Grands Prix have been difficult because the MAC-26 began the season from a modest competitive level. However, an experienced technical group led by Nick Chester and strengthened by Pat Symonds and Rob White is working to move the American car closer to the established midfield teams.
In terms of pure performance, Cadillac can now finish ahead of the disappointing Aston Martin AMR26 with increasing regularity. The team is attempting to build the foundations for another step forward that would allow Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas to escape Q1 more frequently.
Reliability problems continue to limit Cadillac
While the MAC-26 has made progress over a single lap, its reliability in race conditions remains a significant concern. Cadillac has already recorded six retirements, making it difficult for the team to capitalise whenever its performance creates an opportunity.
Valtteri Bottas delivered Cadillac’s best result of the season by finishing 13th at the Chinese Grand Prix. Sergio Perez then climbed to 14th at Silverstone, where the team introduced an important development package intended to accelerate the MAC-26’s progress.
The contrast between improving speed and continuing mechanical problems illustrates Cadillac’s main challenge. The team appears increasingly capable of competing with the cars immediately ahead, but it must improve reliability before that potential can translate into points or regular Q2 appearances.
Cadillac revises MAC-26 front wing at Spa
At Spa-Francorchamps, Cadillac’s engineers have focused their attention on the front wing and, more specifically, the components positioned around the outside of the endplate. Every element in this area has been revised as the team seeks to produce a more pronounced outwash effect.
The Cadillac changes form part of the latest Formula 1 upgrades introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix. Generating stronger outwash can help direct airflow around the outside of the front tyre, reducing the disruption created by its wake and improving the aerodynamic conditions for the surfaces further downstream.
New diveplane is the most visible change
The most obvious modification is the introduction of a diveplane. This raised horizontal flap features a trailing edge with a strong downward inclination and is intended to influence how the airflow is directed around the outer section of the front wing.
At Silverstone, the MAC-26 featured two vertical flow diverters in this area. The first has now disappeared, while the second has been moved slightly rearwards so that it can work in combination with the small element positioned at the end of the outer footplate.
The footplate itself has also been redesigned, particularly around its curled section. Although the volume of incoming airflow remains unchanged, Cadillac has enlarged the outboard tunnel, following concepts that have already been explored by several rival teams.
These changes demonstrate that Cadillac is not simply waiting for experience to improve its position. The team is continuing to develop the MAC-26 aggressively, searching for incremental aerodynamic gains that could bring Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas closer to Q2.
The revised front wing alone is unlikely to transform Cadillac’s competitive position immediately. However, combined with the broader package introduced at Silverstone, it represents another step in the team’s attempt to move beyond the back row and establish itself as a credible midfield contender.
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