Valtteri Bottas points to "many problems to solve" for Cadillac ahead of Bahrain

On February 8th, Cadillac will unveil its new look. Or rather, the American team's livery will be revealed at an event in Santa Clara, USA. While the graphic choices and even the team's exact design guidelines are currently unknown, aside from the racing suits unveiled in Barcelona, ​​this is primarily because the new team... F1 it remains very mysterious in many respects.

Capable of running for three days during the tests organized this week in Catalonia, Cadillac completed a total of 164 laps on the Spanish circuit. In effect, only Aston MartinThe team, having only run for one day, completed fewer laps than the Americans. That said, this situation was expected, if not clearly anticipated, by those involved.

"That was my first time driving the Cadillac," recalled Valtteri BottasWe're currently in the problem-solving phase with the team. This is the first time we've really ridden, so in that respect, it's been truly valuable, a really important week, a really important step.

“The main takeaway is, first of all, that I am very proud of the whole team who worked very hard and who were with us here, with the car, he added last Thursday eveningBut the other lesson is that we still have a long way to go. We still have many problems to solve, a bit like a mountain to climb (laughs), but we plan to take it step by step, so that with each outing, we become better as a team.

Cadillac in the development and understanding phase

Lined up alongside Sergio Pérez, Valtteri Bottas nevertheless emphasized the joy both drivers feel in being involved in this new project. Beyond pure performance, its potential remains far more appealing to drivers with such profiles. "He's definitely the right person to work with," the Finn commented about his Mexican teammateHe's very calm, he also has a lot of experience, I really think we make a great team. I feel we can really work together for the team. For us, it's been exciting to be in the car this week. We're looking forward to getting back to Bahrain to race again.

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Before Bahrain, a long phase of development and experimentation now awaits the members of the Cadillac team. In more ways than one, it seems logical to see the Americans occupy last place in the standings, but the challenge will be to refine a base from which to work throughout the year.

"The preparation will be intense for the entire team between Barcelona and Bahrain," Valtteri Bottas reminded us. I'm going straight to the United States to do simulator work. I'll try to do a lot of simulation work to prepare myself as best as possible. We finally have a lot of data to work with from this new car. We'll have to carefully analyze what we have, maybe even develop some new things before Bahrain. It will be exciting, but we'll be ready for Bahrain.

The Bahrain tests, unlike those in Barcelona, ​​will be broadcast from February 11 to 13.