Valtteri Bottas has claimed Cadillac’s upgrades for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix will prove to be a “decent step” for the team’s competitiveness.
The General-Motors-backed project has endured an expected yet difficult start to life as F1’s 11th team.
Seven rounds into the 2026 campaign, Cadillac are yet to score a championship point but have been chipping away back at base to improve its competitiveness.
Sergio Perez had teased the Silverstone-based team’s “big” upgrade package coming into the race weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
His team-mate Bottas has now revealed that an upgraded side-pod and floor is in order for the Austrian GP, with the Finn expecting at least 10 points of downforce this weekend.
“In theory, it’s a good step forward,” he told media including Motorsport Week on Thursday.
“I think we’re talking a region of 10 points of downforce, which is a decent step. And that combined with the reliability updates for the cooling . Yeah, hopefully we can be a bit closer again.”
Cadillac have been knocking on the doors of the midfield but falling agonisingly short on occasion. At Monaco, Perez almost made it into Q2 for the first-time for Cadillac but missed out by just 0.062 seconds.
Bottas believes that the upgrade package is worth a few tenths. “A few tenths, I think, in theory,” he added.
“But yeah, again, we’re going to see. We’re going to do some error runs in the beginning of it.
“We want to see what is the actual effect compared to the past. And then we’ll see, but hopefully it works as it should.”
Valtteri Bottas knows “how a good lap needs to be driven” at the F1 Austrian GP
The former Williams and Mercedes driver holds a stellar record at the Red Bull Ring over both, one lap and an entire Grand Prix distance.
Bottas has been a pole-sitter at Austria thrice, scoring seven podiums, including three wins, in Spielberg.
Naturally, despite a difficult start with Cadillac, Bottas is confident coming into the race weekend.
“It’s a different feeling that you go to the track that normally has been good,” Bottas explained.
“So, yeah, I know the way around here. I know how a good lap needs to be driven. So, yeah, everything is pretty clear in my mind of the approach for the weekend.
“And yeah, it’s confident coming for this weekend.”
Could Bottas be the one who finally breaks Cadillac’s qualifying curse or brings home its first-ever F1 championship points, this weekend?
Only time will tell.
READ MORE – Cadillac confirms ‘major’ F1 upgrades package for Austrian GP
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