Formula 1 and IndyCar pundit Will Buxton has cast serious doubts on the ability of Cadillac to be prepared for the season opener in Australia.
Cadillac is now in the final stages of preparations for its maiden F1 season in 2026, having only gained entry just over a year ago.
Its preparations have been extensive, with the team running virtual race simulations at its bases since the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
Bahrain testing has been positive, though not without its niggles, with drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez both encountering issues that led to stoppages out on track.
But given Cadillac’s unique situation of operating out of three separate bases in the UK and the United States, Buxton has hinted that cultural working practice differences are negatively impacting the team.
“The team is exhausted. Like, they’re done,” he said on the Up to Speed podcast.
“Having three bases is potentially not an optimised strategy for any team, let alone a brand new team.
“And you have two distinct issues, I think, with the way in which Cadillac, as an American team will fare.
“One is the American work culture, which is that there is no time off.”
Buxton hints at a reality check for Cadillac?
Buxton explained the harsh realties of working in Motorsport’s top flight, including the very real impacts felt by team members and their families during the year.
“You work, you keep working, you grind yourself into the ground. Family, what family? You work.
“But you’ve also got the F1 mentality, which is: don’t like it, go do something else because we’ll find somebody younger and cheaper who will do it – do the job that you don’t want to do or you aren’t willing to do.”
“The team is exhausted. Like, they’re done. And the season hasn’t even started.”
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