For a brand-new team stepping into Formula 1’s unforgiving spotlight, patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a necessity. And if anyone understands the long game, it’s 1978 world champion Mario Andretti.
As Cadillac begins life on the grid in 2026, all eyes have been on its experienced but returning driver pairing: Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Proven race winners, yes – but also drivers coming back from a year on the sidelines.
Andretti, who sits on Cadillac F1’s board of directors, sees both the promise and the growing pains
“The main thing that really interests me is, I want to hear from the drivers, and that’s really what it’s all about,” Andretti explained, speaking on the Drive to Wynn podcast.
And what he’s hearing, at least for now, is caution.
“To be honest with you, I think they’re both just a little bit rusty,” he added. “They’ve both been out of the cockpit for at least one season.
“With the new package and everything else, they’re being very careful, you know, just to participate, and not set anything back by maybe going out there and creating more work than needed.”
It’s not hesitation – it’s calculated restraint. In a season defined by sweeping regulation changes, even the most seasoned drivers are effectively relearning their craft.
“And the other side is to totally try to understand how to take advantage of the power unit for what the delivery is, between keeping the battery charge and all that sort of thing.”
Searching for grip – and answers
Cadillac’s early feedback points to familiar teething issues: balance, grip, and the never-ending hunt for performance.
“The initial comments [from the drivers], clearly, I think we’re lacking some downforce, especially rear stability. That’s what I keep hearing from both of them and things like that,” Andretti explained.
“But that’s not only the problem that we have. We’re not the only ones who have that issue. Outside of, say, Mercedes and Ferrari, it seems like everybody else is searching deeply how to really maximise their situation.”
“It’s going to be an interesting progress of the season, as to see who really puts their arms around it all.”
Even for drivers of Bottas and Perez’s calibre, the challenge is as much mental as mechanical.
“As a driver, I think, to be able to extract everything out of the chassis itself, now, all of a sudden, you’ve got to relearn how to use the throttle, how to use everything,” he said.
“So I’m not sure I am envying the drivers at the moment. I’m almost happy that I’m on the sideline.”
Thinking big, building steadily
For all the early hurdles, Andretti’s long-term vision remains ambitious – but grounded in realism.
“Well, obviously, you have to be realistic, and as the season goes on, you want to feel that you’re definitely progressing,” the American insisted.
Progress, not perfection, is the immediate target. But by the end of the year, the expectations rise.
“Let’s face it, toward the end of the season, you’d like to try to think that maybe you can start competing with the top 10 consistently, maybe even better. So you’ve got to think big.”
Read also: Bottas signals aggressive Cadillac F1 upgrade plan aheadIt’s a mindset Andretti has carried throughout his career – sometimes to the point of criticism.
“But honestly, I’ve always done that, even to the point of being ridicule,” he admitted.
“But that’s the only way that you’re ultimately going to accomplish what is important, to be able to be a factor and start winning races.”
For Cadillac, 2026 isn’t about instant glory. It’s about building momentum, race by race, as two returning drivers rediscover their edge – and a legendary figure keeps his eyes fixed firmly on the horizon.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook
Andretti assesses Cadillac’s early struggles and driver progress F1i.com.
Hence then, the article about andretti assesses cadillac s early struggles and driver progress was published today ( ) and is available on F1 News ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Andretti assesses Cadillac’s early struggles and driver progress )
Also on site :
- How to Watch Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Women’s Basketball: Live Stream or on TV
- Free Fire OB53 Update Release Date (Expected), Features, and More
- Tundra Esports, MOUZ unblemished to start ESL One Birmingham