Cadillac chief dismisses allegations about Bottas' difficulties.

      "We're constantly asking the drivers to perform various tasks."

      Valtteri Bottas has once again dismissed rumors suggesting that Cadillac is grooming Colton Herta to take over his seat in 2027, reaffirming that the new Formula 1 team fully backs him. Former IndyCar star Herta is competing in Formula 2 and assisting with Cadillac’s simulator, which has sparked speculation that he is being prepared for a race seat. Bottas, who has found his experience with the new team more challenging than that of teammate Sergio Perez, states that the rumors are unfounded. "It’s part of the sport," he acknowledged. "This isn’t the first time I’ve encountered such rumors, but it’s unfortunate that someone fabricates complete nonsense. However, that’s typical in this sport."

      "I’m aware of my circumstances, and the team is aware of them as well; they support me 100 percent. So, from my perspective, everything is fine in the end." "Every driver will face situations like this at some point in their career. So no silly season for me." Bottas further believes Herta’s current role is beneficial rather than a threat. "He’s been aiding us from the simulator," said the 36-year-old Finnish driver. "He’s still learning in F2, so he’s definitely a valuable asset to have. He brings different perspectives from his previous experiences. Coming from a completely different category means he has a different mindset and views, which can assist us."

      Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon also dismissed the notion that Bottas is struggling. "Honestly, I wouldn’t label it as struggles," he commented. "We’re continually asking the drivers to take on varied tasks. Both Valtteri and Checo are integral parts of the team." "One reason we wanted them on the team is their experience in various environments. They understand the importance of building the engineering team, mechanics, designers, and everyone involved."

      “So, it’s fair to say they’re doing more than merely driving the car. It’s uncommon for us to ask them to do the exact same thing at the same moment.” "So, I wouldn’t want to imply that Valtteri is struggling in any way. I believe he’s contributing at the highest level of motorsport, and he’s helping advance the team." Perez has been more openly critical regarding Cadillac’s initial progress, admitting he anticipated the team would be further ahead. Lowdon indicated that this impatience is exactly why Cadillac hired two seasoned grand prix winners. "Having been in the game long enough, that’s precisely the kind of comment one would expect from an experienced driver," he stated. "Drivers will always push the team."

      "If you ask anyone if they’re satisfied with the team’s performance, the truth is, in Formula 1, no one is ever satisfied until they exit, as there’s always room for improvement." "Checo’s no exception." Lowdon remarked that both drivers are applying pressure constructively. "One thing I can say is that I really appreciate how they’ve approached it," he noted. "Some drivers may push too hard, and if you push too aggressively at the wrong time, the results won’t materialize. So, I think there’s a healthy level of constructive tension within the team, and that’s essential."

      "We’re not just here to be the 11th team. We're driven by ambition. So, I believe that’s really the essence of his comments, unless he had a crystal ball to foresee exactly how everything was going to unfold."