Valtteri Bottas says his move to the Cadillac F1 Team has given him a level of involvement he never had in his previous Formula 1 career.
After racing for teams like Williams, Mercedes, and Alfa Romeo (Sauber), Bottas is now part of a completely new project, and that has changed his role significantly.
More Involvement Than Ever
One of the biggest differences, according to Bottas, is how much input he now has in the car’s development.
- Involved in designing the steering wheel layout
- Able to choose button placements
- Can influence the steering setup and feel
He explained that being part of a new team allows drivers to shape the car from the ground up, something that isn’t always possible in established teams.
A Fresh Start Helps
Cadillac is the first new team to join the grid in years, and that brings some advantages.
- No legacy systems or past setups to follow
- More freedom in design and decision-making
- Opportunity to build the car around driver feedback
Bottas says this freedom makes the whole process more engaging and rewarding.
Early Signs Are Positive
While expectations were cautious, Cadillac has made a steady start.
- Bottas finished two out of the first three races
- Teammate Sergio Perez completed all three races
- Reliable finishes in races like China and Japan
For a new team, simply finishing races consistently is an important first step.
Experience Matters
Both Bottas and Perez bring experience from top teams.
- Bottas previously raced with Mercedes
- Perez has driven for Red Bull
Bottas believes this shared experience helps the team understand what works and what doesn’t, at the highest level.
A Renewed Perspective
Bottas also spoke about how his time away from a full-time race seat in 2025 changed his outlook.
He says he now appreciates every part of race weekends more, from preparing for the race to being on the grid.
That renewed mindset, he believes, could help him perform better going forward.
