Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner slammed Valtteri Bottas as “a bit of a give‑up” during Cadillacs’s shaky 2026 season.
Steiner’s Assessment
During a break‑season interview on The Red Flags Podcast, Steiner graded the opening 11 races, assigning a C to Sergio Perez and a D to Bottas. He criticised the 36‑year‑old’s lack of motivation, implying the veteran has “given up a little bit.”
“If management decides a driver change was necessary, the obvious pick would be Valtteri,” Steiner noted. “The team must focus on developing the car, but he is culpable for the poor results.”
Perez vs Bottas Performance
Neither driver has yet scored a championship point. Perez holds a 9‑6 qualifying advantage over Bottas in both grand prix and sprint sessions. Despite identical points, Perez’s laps are 90 km/h faster on average.
Steiner lauded Perez’s relentless effort: “He’s doing better than his team‑mate, and that’s intriguing given the car is not breaking.” He also praised stamina: “In a slow, unreliable car it is easy to get frustrated.”
Potential Driver Swap
When asked whether Cadillac should replace Bottas, Steiner remained neutral on the future of the 2026 lineup. Yet he did note the 10‑time grand‑prix winner is a primary candidate for removal if a performance‑based decision is taken.
“After the car fails to be competitive, the only way to improve is to switch drivers,” Steiner said.
Future Outlook
Cadillac’s debut season continues under the spotlight as the team struggles to break the grid’s bottom rung. Both drivers, former Mercedes and Red Bull stalwarts, face the challenge of translating skill into points.
Only systematic car developments and steadfast performance will turn the narrative from frustration to victory.
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