Cadillac debut turns sour as Bottas struggles with steering wheel
The debut of Cadillac in Formula 1 proved far more difficult than expected at the Australian Grand Prix. Sergio Perez managed to finish in 16th place, but Valtteri Bottas was forced to retire after a series of complications that marred the American team’s first race.
The Finnish driver caused the deployment of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) when his MAC-26 stopped working just before the pit lane entry, prompting the marshals to intervene quickly and remove the stricken car from the track. It was a dramatic moment that highlighted the steep learning curve Cadillac faces in its inaugural F1 season.
Even before the retirement, Valtteri Bottas had already experienced significant issues. A viral clip circulating online revealed that he had to pit for a steering wheel change mid-race. In the video, it’s evident that the #77 car’s steering wheel had become difficult for Valtteri Bottas to hold in its normal position, forcing an unplanned stop. This unusual mechanical struggle underscored the challenges Cadillac faced in Australia, where everything seemed to go against the team.
The first race proved particularly harsh for the American squad, who are now looking ahead to the Chinese Grand Prix with hope of improvement. China will mark Bottas’ first ever sprint weekend in Formula 1, providing a new opportunity to gather experience and iron out early-season problems.
The viral footage of Valtteri Bottas’ steering wheel change has drawn widespread attention from F1 fans, who were both surprised and amused by the sight of a top-tier driver battling with such a basic but critical component. While Perez managed to finish the race, the team will be eager to turn this tough debut into a learning experience for the weeks to come.
Valtteri had to do a steering wheel change during the race a couple of laps before he retired.👇#ChineseGP🇨🇳
pic.twitter.com/d1CdcjLRVv— Cadillac F1 News (@CadillacF1News_) March 9, 2026
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