Valtteri Bottas is back, and he’s stepping into a thrilling new chapter with Cadillac in Formula 1, a journey he describes as “very different” and “unique.” The Finnish driver knows that launching a brand-new team from scratch comes with its own set of challenges, demanding “a lot of work” and “problem-solving.” Yet, Bottas is confident that Cadillac will be fully prepared to make its debut in Melbourne for the season opener, a testament to their rigorous preparations.
Setting his sights on a clear objective for 2026, Bottas emphasizes the importance of continuous evolution throughout the season. As the American outfit solidifies its technical and operational foundations amidst a backdrop of new cars and power units, he believes that consistent improvement is the key. “Progress. That is the number one thing,” Bottas declared, asserting that the team must strive to get better from the start of the year to the very end. He candidly acknowledges the added complexity for Cadillac, noting, “we’ve built everything from scratch,” which necessitates enhancements across all fronts.
After spending 2025 as a reserve driver, Bottas assures fans that he feels far from “rusty.” He credits extensive testing mileage as vital to maintaining his competitive edge. This stint away from the track has also given him a fresh perspective on the sport. “Having spent a year without racing, you definitely appreciate everything more,” he reflected, even going so far as to say that he found the press conference “not that bad”—with a cheeky caveat: “ask me again in Abu Dhabi.”
In a significant turn of events, Bottas confirmed that he will not face the grid penalty he initially anticipated, thanks to a recent regulatory change. “Apparently, it disappeared… thanks to a new regulation, so no penalty,” he quipped, playfully nudging a journalist about not following him on Instagram.
Bottas also took a moment to discuss the future of Finnish talent in F1, praising Tuukka Taponen as “very talented.” He believes Taponen’s second year in Formula 3 will be crucial for his development. The conversation turned to Kalle Rovanperä, whose transition from rallying to single-seaters Bottas finds “very interesting.” He recognizes the leap as significant but is confident in Rovanperä’s ability to adapt and thrive.
When it comes to his internal competition with Sergio Pérez, Bottas downplays the idea of a direct rivalry, despite their history of on-track battles. He insists that the priority right now is to “put the team first” and collaborate to accelerate Cadillac’s growth. “If Checo and I want results, the best way is to work together and push the team forward,” he stated, highlighting the importance of unity in their quest for success.
As Bottas embarks on this ambitious journey with Cadillac, fans can expect to see a relentless pursuit of progress that could reshape the future of the team and the sport itself.
