Cadillac has confirmed the introduction of a major upgrade package for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. The objective is clear: reduce the gap to the midfield and finally score the team’s first points of the 2026 season.
In recent races, the American outfit has shown encouraging signs of progress. Sergio Perez came close to finishing in the points at Monaco, crossing the line in tenth place before a penalty for a starting procedure infringement dropped him to fifteenth in the final classification.
Although the result was disappointing, it highlighted the significant progress made in a relatively short period by Formula 1’s newest team.
Things were less straightforward on the other side of the garage. Valtteri Bottas continued to struggle with brake-related issues, problems that also affected his weekend in Barcelona. In Spain, the Finnish driver lost control of the car during practice before later retiring from the race because of overheating concerns.
Cadillac is now aiming to improve reliability while maintaining its development momentum heading into Austria.
The team principal’s comments and the new upgrades
Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon addressed the challenges currently facing the team.
“The races are now coming thick and fast, and managing the logistical side while continuing to improve our competitive performance is one of the key challenges during this part of the season.”
He also expressed optimism about the latest development package.
“We’re pleased to be able to bring another substantial upgrade package this weekend. With new sidepods and a new floor, it’s a significant amount of work and we hope it will continue our steady recovery trajectory towards the midfield. We don’t underestimate the challenges presented by the Austrian Grand Prix, but we are learning continuously and I am confident that we can make further progress this weekend as well.”
The package includes a revised floor, new sidepods and additional bodywork modifications. These aerodynamic updates will immediately face a demanding test at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit known for its elevation changes, heavy energy demands and often high track temperatures.
The drivers’ expectations
Sergio Perez highlighted the team’s ongoing progress and the positive atmosphere surrounding the project.
“With every race, it feels like we’re making progress, and there was a lot of valuable learning from reaching the chequered flag in Barcelona. The pace of development has been very good, everyone at the factory is working flat out to deliver new parts to the track, and hopefully this weekend’s upgrade will provide another step forward.”
Valtteri Bottas, who has enjoyed considerable success at the Austrian circuit—including victories in 2017 and 2020, along with a pole position and podium finish—also shared his thoughts ahead of the weekend.
“We always learn from our experiences to understand the problems and develop the car. That’s exactly what we’re doing, and we’re making progress every week. I have great memories of this circuit, not only because of the victories, but also because of my first front-row start and my first Formula 1 podium back in 2014. It will be a challenging weekend, but it’s one that I’m really looking forward to.”
For Cadillac, Austria represents another important step in its development journey. The team knows that breaking into the midfield will not happen overnight, but the latest upgrade package could provide a valuable indication of whether the MAC-26 is beginning to move in the right direction.
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