Cadillac begins its very first Formula 1 race weekend in Australia this weekend. The team has been busy over the past two years preparing for this ‘historic moment’, although team principal Graeme Lowdon is also immediately tempering expectations. The Briton states that the season start is only the beginning of Cadillac’s ‘journey in Formula 1’. The American team is, however, immediately bringing the first upgrades to the Australian GP.
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More than two years after General Motors received the green light to put an eleventh team on the Formula 1 grid, Cadillac begins its adventure in the premier class. During the Australian GP in Melbourne, the brand-new American team will drive its first race in Formula 1, with experienced drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel. Team principal Graeme Lowdon looks ahead to this ‘proud moment’ for the team.
“It was a huge task to reach this point and I am infinitely grateful to everyone who contributed to this,” says the British team principal in the first Cadillac preview. “But the Australian Grand Prix is only the beginning of the journey and our focus is on building long-term success. I am satisfied with our progress in Barcelona and Bahrain, and this weekend we are already bringing the first upgrades to our car,” Lowdon also reveals immediately. The team is thus the first team to bring upgrades in 2026. “We have bold ambitions, but we are realistic, committed and respectful of the challenge ahead of us.”
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‘Highlight of my career’
Sergio Pérez – who returns to Formula 1 this year as a driver for Cadillac – considers it an honor to take his seat in the Cadillac MAC-26 during the race weekend in Melbourne. “Being part of this amazing, brand-new team is a highlight of my career so far,” the Mexican even states. “The atmosphere in the team is positive and we are making progress together. We can be proud of what we have achieved so far. I can’t wait to get on the track.”
In addition to Pérez, Valtteri Bottas will also take his place on the grid again. The Finn is often labeled an honorary citizen of their country by Australian Formula 1 fans, and the Grand Prix in Melbourne is therefore a favorite race weekend for the former Mercedes driver. “The Australian Grand Prix feels different than usual this year. I always love coming to Melbourne, but this time, now that I’m here to make history with Cadillac, it’s even more special,” says Bottas. “The local support from the Australians will make this weekend even more unforgettable. I am so proud of the team’s hard work during the pre-season preparations and the many months that preceded this weekend. This is only the beginning of our journey together, but we are already making progress. I can’t wait to go racing.”
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Read everything about the Australian GP here
