The head of the Cadillac F1 team, Graeme Lowdon, has firmly rejected rumors claiming that Valtteri Bottas could lose his seat after only five Grands Prix contested during the 2026 season.
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Supported by General Motors, Cadillac made its debut this year in Formula 1 as the eleventh team in the championship.
While the introduction of new technical regulations in 2026 theoretically gave all competitors a clean slate, the reality is much more complex for a structure that is simultaneously building its team, its car, and its sporting organization.
Experienced drivers
For this first season, Cadillac relied on an experienced duo composed of Bottas and Sergio Pérez. However, several recent rumors suggested that the team management was already considering replacing the Finn, judged less competitive than his Mexican teammate after conceding eight tenths in qualifying in Montreal.
Asked about this, Lowdon left no room for interpretation: “There is absolutely no basis to these rumors. No truth. I can state this categorically. Outside observers do not know what we really ask of our drivers, whether from one session to another, from one race to another, or in the development of the car. Both drivers accomplish much more than what is asked in already established teams, because we are building a team while participating in the Grands Prix.”
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According to Lowdon, Cadillac’s progress is even better than some pessimistic predictions made before the start of the season: “Even before our first Grand Prix, some predicted that we would struggle to meet the 107% qualifying rule. In Montreal, we missed qualifying for the next phase of the Sprint by only a few fractions of a percent. There is no truth in these rumors, but above all no logic.”
Colton Herta not ready yet
Among the scenarios mentioned by some media was a quick promotion of reserve driver Colton Herta to replace Bottas, the American being scheduled for free practice at the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks and still for three FP1 sessions this season in addition to his F2 program.
Again, Lowdon dismissed this hypothesis. The Briton reminds that Herta currently does not have the required number of points to obtain an FIA Super Licence allowing him to race in Formula 1.
“Some rumors claim that we might put Colton in the car in the upcoming races,” he explains. “But Colton simply does not have the necessary Super Licence points. That says a lot about the quality of some information circulating. Colton follows his own development program. Checo follows his with us. Valtteri as well. Each contributes in their own way to building the Cadillac F1 team.”
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