The Cadillac duo face “biggest test” yet ahead of first home race

Written by Mia Wallace

Credit: Formula One

Upgrades, a new livery, and home race pressure. Can the Cadillac duo of Bottas and Pérez deliver in the team’s "biggest test" yet?

Cadillac’s maiden Formula One season reaches a milestone this weekend as the team prepares for its first home race at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix. All eyes will be on the American outfit as it arrives with a special livery to mark its debut home event as a new addition to the grid.

Earlier, the Cadillac pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez commented on both the excitement and expectations that come as they face home race one of three this season, with Pérez bowing to the fact that this will be the team’s “biggest test” so far. 

“We’re going in the right direction,” said the 36-year-old. “We are definitely progressing every single race weekend, which is the main thing for us. I think so far this will be our biggest test because we are bringing a big package – obviously everyone is, so it just depends if it’s bigger than the others’. 

“If it all works it will give us a lot of confidence in our development tools going forward, so it’s a very important weekend for us, and obviously racing at home for the team, it’s a very important weekend overall.” 

While upgrades across the grid are expected after the extended break, Cadillac in particular will be pushing for a step forward after a difficult span of races in the opening stretch. As a new entrant, growing pains are inevitable as the team builds pace and settles into its operational rhythm. Still, the American team will be eager to turn progress into results as the 2026 season approaches its critical phase.

Bottas, a 10-time race winner, was optimistic about the race ahead, sharing his excitement about competing in Miami. 

“It should be good fun, and also it’s a Sprint weekend,” he said. “For us, it’s a big weekend – first time racing on US soil, which is going to be quite fun.” 

Bottas also weighed in on the team’s special edition livery and performance gains they’re hoping to unlock.

 “Physically it looks different, we have a different livery – same colour scheme but different kind of pattern, which looks pretty cool. 

“The car itself, we have aero updates, we have some weight reduction as well – the car has been on a diet. We'll be faster than in the previous races but, how much others have improved, we don't know.” 

For Cadillac, the ultimate goal would be to challenge the midfield competitors instead of running at the back of the pack. Still, any progressions, big or small, will be welcomed. 

We’ll get our first glimpse at the American team’s new package tomorrow, with an extended Free Practice 1 supplying plenty of time for the teams to test out their upgrades.