Valtteri Bottas stepped back into a Formula One environment with his first day of testing for the new Cadillac F1 Team. The session took place at the GM Technical Center in Charlotte, where Cadillac is preparing for its full entry in 2026. This marked Bottas’s first hands on experience with the team that will bring him back onto the grid next season. His reaction made one thing clear. He feels refreshed, motivated and fully committed.
A New Beginning After Two Challenging Years
Bottas joins Cadillac after two difficult seasons at Kick Sauber. His time there gave him little chance to fight for points. The development pace fell behind rivals. Results became rare. The move to Cadillac offers a clean slate.
He said the first day of testing already felt like a completely different environment. The energy inside the team encouraged him. He said the atmosphere felt new and exciting. He liked the way the team approached planning and structure. He also said he felt welcomed from the start.
What the Testing Day Included
Bottas spent the day inside the simulator and inside technical briefings. Cadillac used the session to introduce him to their systems, their engineering flow and their design direction. He worked with the simulator team to begin forming his feedback style with the engineers. He asked detailed questions about the development path, car philosophy and early performance expectations.
He said it felt good to be working actively again rather than waiting for next season. He said the session helped him understand what is coming and what the team needs from him. He also said it reminded him of how much he enjoys structured development work.
Bottas’ Comments
“I’m excited to be starting as a Cadillac Formula 1 Team driver – finally,” Bottas said. “This is a proud moment in my career as it marks the beginning of a new chapter back on the grid with a team that’s starting its journey in the sport. There’s a lot of hard work that lies ahead, so I’m keen to use my experience to help the team now that I’m fully on board.
“Seeing everything coming together for the first time as a brand-new team is special and makes you realise the momentum of the project. It’s important to get the preparation right as these moments really are the first steps to getting us ready for the first test. I can’t wait to get the season started and go racing once again.”
Team Boss Graeme Lowdon’s Comments
“It’s great to finally have Valtteri onboard and integrated with the team. We’ve been planning for quite some time now, so it’s fantastic to see these moments happening ahead of our first season on track.
“I’m proud of all the work everybody is doing in the team. Formula 1 is the greatest team game in the world and it’s times like this where you see the skills, talent and expertise we have, and how well such a talent like Valtteri will be at home.”
The Value of Experience
Cadillac signed Bottas for his experience. He has driven championship winning machinery. He has worked alongside Lewis Hamilton during the height of Mercedes dominance. He understands car development. He knows how to guide a team through complex transitions.
His first day showed why Cadillac values him. He provided clear feedback. He focused on structure and communication. He helped engineers refine their testing plans. His presence gives the team a strong reference point as they prepare for the new regulations.
He said he wants to be a leader. He said he wants to build something long term. He said he feels proud to help shape a new team instead of arriving into an existing system.
How This Shapes the Coming Months
Cadillac plans more simulator sessions. Bottas will return several times over the winter to continue feedback work. He will also attend technical reviews and design meetings. The next key step arrives when the team begins more advanced simulator correlation before the first chassis is completed.
The team will use his input to refine ergonomics, cockpit layout, steering feel and energy deployment characteristics. Bottas said he is ready to work through every detail.
He said the testing day gave him momentum. It gave him assurance that Cadillac are serious and fully committed.
A Strong First Step
The first day of testing represents more than a simple introduction. It marks the beginning of Cadillac’s deeper integration of their drivers into the design process. Bottas’s early presence helps form a clear direction.
He said his goal is simple. He wants to help build a competitive car. He wants the team to succeed. He wants to prove he still has strong pace. He said he feels energised by the challenge.
Cadillac responded with equal enthusiasm. They said his professionalism and detail driven approach impressed them from the start. They said they expect a strong partnership.
Closing Thoughts
Valtteri Bottas’s first day of testing with Cadillac delivered a promising start. He met the team. He worked in the simulator. He learned their systems. He praised the structure. He left with confidence.
The project is young. The car is still in development. But the early signs show a motivated group and a driver ready to lead. Bottas begins a new chapter with a fresh mindset and a team eager to prove itself. Cadillac enters Formula One with ambition. Bottas enters with renewed purpose. The partnership begins with optimism and clarity.
