Valtteri Bottas and the Cadillac F1 project: real interest and many unknowns

In short: Valtteri Bottas sees potential in the Cadillac F1 project, but remembers that without a place on the grid it's all just theory.

Quick context: Cadillac and Andretti are pushing to enter Formula 1 with a new team backed by General Motors. The FIA ​​has already given them the green light, but FOM and the current teams have yet to approve their entry, and time is running out for the project to be viable by 2028.

Valtteri Bottas, one of the most experienced drivers on the current grid, has been one of the few to see Cadillac's work firsthand in its attempt to enter F1. Invited to Detroit, the Finn was able to meet the technical team, see the simulator, and get an idea of ​​General Motors' approach to the championship.

His impressions are relevant for two reasons: he knows how a major F1 manufacturer operates well after his time at Mercedes, and, moreover, its medium-term future isn't entirely settled. From the outside, Cadillac F1 is an ambitious but politically stalled project; from the inside, according to Bottas, there's more substance to it than many realize.

What happened: Bottas at Cadillac's house

Bottas visited Cadillac's facilities in Detroit, invited by the brand, and was able to see firsthand how the Formula 1 program is being structured. According to him, the visit was not a simple public relations tour: there was time to talk with engineers, understand processes, and see the simulator in action.

The Finn explained that he was shown how they are organizing the development of the car and the engine, and that the technical foundation seemed sound. He didn't go into specific figures or deadlines, but he did make it clear that he didn't perceive it as an improvised or showy project. For him, there is a real commitment from General Motors.

Bottas also points out that Cadillac isn't starting from scratch in motorsport. The brand has experience in endurance racing and other high-level programs, and that's evident in their approach. Even so, he admits that F1 is a huge leap in complexity and that the challenge of being competitive from the first year is immense.

How Bottas views the Cadillac F1 project

In his remarks, Bottas emphasized that Cadillac's approach struck him as very structured. He spoke of a motivated group of engineers, well-resourced, and with a clear roadmap toward 2028, the target year for General Motors' entry into the market with its own powertrain. He didn't describe it as an improvised plan, but rather as something that has been carefully developed over time.

The Finnish driver insists that the interest of a major manufacturer like GM is positive for F1. From his point of view, more strong brands mean more investment, more technology, and greater visibility for the championship, provided they are integrated in an orderly fashion and with a reasonable level of competition.

Even so, Bottas is cautious: he points out that all this work will only be worthwhile if the project secures a spot on the grid. Until FOM gives its approval, Cadillac and Andretti are working on a scenario that isn't guaranteed. He himself sums it up by saying that the potential is there, but the key political piece is missing.

The political deadlock and the role of the FOM

The FIA ​​has already approved Andretti-Cadillac's bid following its own selection process, but FOM and the current teams have not yet given the green light to the new team's entry. The official argument revolves around the economic sustainability of the championship and the potential impact on revenue sharing.

Bottas doesn't delve deeply into the internal politics, but he does suggest that he understands why the current teams are reluctant to share the pie with a new player. Even so, from a sporting perspective, he believes that the arrival of a manufacturer like GM would be a boost for F1.

The result is a deadlock: Cadillac continues to develop its program with an eye toward 2028, but without any guarantee that a seat will be available. For a driver like Bottas, accustomed to clear structures, this is a striking contrast between the technical level of the project and the lack of official confirmation.

Is there room for Bottas in a Cadillac F1?

One of the inevitable topics is whether Bottas sees himself driving for Cadillac in the future. The Finn doesn't rule it out, but he doesn't present it as a firm plan either. He explains that, for now, his priority is to perform well with his current team and maintain competitive options on the grid.

He acknowledges that the idea of ​​working with a major manufacturer on a new project can be appealing, especially when combined with a solid long-term program. His experience with Mercedes gives him a clear point of reference regarding what it means to be part of a strong, established team.

However, Bottas also points out that timing is delicate: the Cadillac project is slated for 2028, and a driver's racing career doesn't always align with a new manufacturer's timeline. For now, he maintains a position of mutual respect and interest, without making any public commitments.

What Cadillac is already doing behind the scenes

Technical work and simulator

One of the things that most impressed Bottas was the level of the simulator and the development tools that Cadillac already has in place. He said the simulator seemed advanced and in line with what is expected of a serious, modern F1 program.

He also mentions that the technical team is working with a very manufacturer-like mindset: defined processes, allocated resources, and a long-term vision. He doesn't mention staffing or budget figures, but he does convey the feeling that GM isn't improvising.

GM's previous experience in competition

Bottas points out that General Motors and Cadillac are not new to motorsport. Their programs in endurance racing and other top-level categories have built a useful knowledge base for F1, even though the leap in complexity is significant.

For the Finn, that prior experience is one of the reasons he views the project favorably. It's not a brand entering solely for marketing purposes, but a manufacturer with a competitive history that wants to bring that experience to the most demanding championship.

What remains to be confirmed

The big question remains whether FOM will approve the project. Without that final approval, Cadillac and Andretti are working on a hypothetical scenario. Bottas is clear on this: all the technical potential and enthusiasm surrounding the project won't amount to much if the political deadlock isn't resolved.

Furthermore, key aspects such as the final sporting structure, the operational headquarters in F1, the driver lineup, and the full integration of GM's power unit into the 2026–2028 regulations remain to be defined. None of this is publicly finalized.

From a driver's perspective, Bottas sees the project as an interesting opportunity, but one conditioned by factors beyond the control of the engineers and the drivers themselves. Until there is a clear decision from FOM, everything remains in the realm of planning and intention.

Key data

• Valtteri Bottas visited the Cadillac facilities in Detroit.
• The visit included talks with engineers and time in the simulator.
• Bottas believes the Cadillac F1 project is well structured.
• The Finn highlights General Motors' real commitment to F1.
• The FIA ​​has already approved Andretti-Cadillac's candidacy.
• FOM and the teams have not yet given the green light to their entry.
• Cadillac's goal is to enter the market with its own GM power unit.
• Bottas sees the arrival of a major manufacturer like GM to F1 as a positive development.
• The driver does not rule out a future partnership with Cadillac, but nothing is confirmed.
• The project remains contingent on the political decision regarding its inclusion in the schedule.

The important thing

• What changes: a factory-trained driver like Bottas validates that Cadillac F1 is a serious project, not just marketing.
• Why it matters: GM's entry could alter the balance of power in F1 and attract more investment and technology.
• What remains to be confirmed: FOM's final approval, the team's sporting structure, and any possible agreements with drivers like Bottas.

From Cars&Pizza News' perspective, the relevant point here isn't just Cadillac wanting to join, but someone like Bottas leaving Detroit saying there's substance behind the logo. If FOM unlocks the door, we could have another giant fighting at the top in a few years; if not, it will be another strong project stalled by politics. Which side are you on: more manufacturers on the grid or keeping the club closed?