Cadillac to bring ‘substantial upgrade package’ to Austrian GP

Cadillac has confirmed it will have a substantial set of upgrades at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix as it looks to close the gap to the midfield during its debut season in Formula 1.

The Miami Grand Prix was the first time Cadillac introduced notable new components to its first car, and with steady additions it was able to run competitively with other midfield cars in Monaco. However, at the most recent race in Barcelona the team was 0.7s adrift of a spot in Q2, highlighting the gap that still exists on certain circuits.

“The races now come along in rapid succession, and meeting that logistical element while improving our competitive performance is one of the key challenges of this part of the year,” team principal Graeme Lowdon said. “We are, however, pleased to be able to bring another substantial upgrade package this weekend.

“With new sidepods and floor it’s a significant amount of work and we hope that it will continue our trajectory of steadily catching up to the midfield. We don’t underestimate the challenges Austria present, but we’re learning all the time and I’m confident we can make progress again this weekend.”

Sergio Perez was again quicker than Valtteri Bottas in qualifying in Spain – although Bottas was just 0.2s adrift as the pair outqualified Aston Martin by a full second – and ended up three laps down at the checkered flag. Despite a tough race, the former Red Bull driver is pleased with the progress Cadillac is making with the MAC-26 so far this season.

“Every race it feels that we’re making progress, and there was a lot of valuable learning in getting to the checkered flag in Barcelona,” Perez said. “The rate of development is very good, everyone back at the factory is going full speed to deliver new parts to the track, and the upgrade we have this weekend will hopefully provide another step.”

Alongside the new components, Cadillac says its livery will also evolve from this weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring, with the team describing it as “reflecting a natural refinement of its visual identity as the brand continues to take shape on track.”