Cadillac made its Formula 1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix after a 468-day wait. Sergio Perez finished 16th, three laps behind the winner, while Valtteri Bottas had to retire on lap 16. The team completed all nine pre-season testing days and gathered valuable data. Perez and Bottas faced challenges during qualification, starting in 18th and 19th positions. Despite the difficulties, the team showed perseverance throughout the race. Bottas encountered a steering wheel problem that led to his early retirement, while Perez opted for a two-stop strategy.
The team’s principal, Graeme Lowdon, expressed frustration over technical issues but acknowledged the need for improvement. Despite its performance, Cadillac managed to finish the race, which was considered an achievement. Both drivers shared positive sentiments about the team’s progress and vowed to work towards narrowing the performance gap. Lowdon emphasized the importance of continuous development to compete with other teams effectively.
Perez highlighted the team’s determination to address challenges and strive for significant improvements. The team acknowledged the difficulties faced during the race but remained optimistic about their future in Formula 1. The drivers recognized the competitive nature of the sport and expressed their commitment to pushing boundaries for better results. Cadillac’s focus on gathering data and learning from their experiences reflects their dedication to growth and development in Formula 1.
