Cadillac chief rejects 'entirely untrue' rumors about Bottas leaving.

      Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting that Valtteri Bottas could be replaced before the season concludes. Speculation grew following reports that the Finnish driver's position was threatened due to a challenging start to the year, with suggestions that reserve driver Colton Herta might take over soon. However, Lowdon asserts that these claims are completely fictional.

      "There is absolutely no foundation, no truth to these rumors," he stated definitively. "I can say that without a doubt." He further emphasized, "Let me be very clear—these are entirely false. They hold not even a hint of truth."

      His remarks followed reports linking teammate Sergio Perez with potential moves to other teams, even as Cadillac is just several races into its first Formula 1 season. Lowdon pointed out that outside observers often fail to recognize the unique challenges faced by Cadillac.

      "The effort both drivers are putting in is far beyond what many others in different teams need to do," he explained. "We are simultaneously building the team while competing, which is quite an unusual situation."

      "With all due respect, the outside world doesn't understand what we're asking of these drivers from session to session, and race weekend to race weekend, or what we require from them in the car's development."

      Lowdon also dismissed claims regarding Herta being brought in right away. "Some rumors I’ve seen disregard some of the most basic rules of Formula 1," he said. "Some suggest that we would replace Valtteri with Colton in the next races despite Colton lacking enough super licence points. That probably speaks volumes about the quality of those rumors."

      The Brit reiterated that Bottas, Perez, and Herta each play significant roles in Cadillac’s broader objectives. "Colton has a program he’s focusing on. Checo has a program with us he’s working on, and so does Valtteri," Lowdon stated. "They all contribute in their unique ways to what we aim to achieve in building the team. It’s crucial to emphasize that there is absolutely no truth or evidence supporting any rumors about Valtteri's seat being at risk or Checo potentially moving elsewhere."

      Meanwhile, Perez has been associated with possible opportunities at other teams but maintains that he is committed to Cadillac's long-term project. "I’m very satisfied with my performance and driving level," the Mexican driver remarked. "I’m glad to be back and have proven to myself that I’m among the best."

      However, Perez acknowledged that Cadillac must improve its operational capabilities. "Currently, I’m quite impatient regarding the operational aspect," he noted. "We need to enhance this area urgently, as we're not maximizing our results. I believe we are making progress in terms of performance, which is encouraging, but operationally we are significantly lacking, and we need to find our path as we approach the European season."