Valtteri Bottas

Schumacher names 'unusual' factor that could help Bottas at Cadillac

19:56, 27 Aug

bySamson Ero

While the Formula 1 world have continued to react to the news of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez joining the Cadillac team for 2026, former driver Ralf Schumacher has aired his major worry regarding the signing of Bottas.

The 50-year-old, who recently appeared on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast following the announcement, touched on the pace of the Finnish driver. Schucmahcer questioned if the 35-year-old still boasts the explosive speed that he was synonymous with, particularly through his years at the Mercedes team.

“And Bottas, um… yes, there’s really the question: how fast is he still? However, I believe that a year on the reserve bench does something to a driver. And that he simply says: ‘OK, I’ve recognised that, I need to work on myself now,’ and I think it will actually benefit the team that he now has new motivation.”

Throughout the former Sauber driver’s career, he has largely been known for his pace over one lap. During his five-year stint at the Mercedes team, Bottas progressed into the final qualifying rounds of every Grand Prix he entered.

Valtteri Bottas has joined Cadillac for the 2026 season

Valtteri Bottas on why he joined Cadillac

Earlier, Valteri Bottas explained why he opted to join Cadillac. The 35-year-old, who currently serves as reserve driver for Mercedes, detailed how he wanted to be part of a great brand with a big structure. Speaking to the media, including GPblog, Bottas stated:

“I mean, actually, the first talks we had with Graeme [Lowdon] about this opportunity were about two years ago from now. And he's always kept in touch on how things are going and progressing. And then, yeah, early on this year, it was clear to me that this is what I want. I want to be part of this great brand, this, let's say, startup Formula One team, but with great structure and big goals. And I'm here to give everything I have to the team."