2026 DUTCH GRAND PRIX – RACE REPORT
August 23, 2026 — Zandvoort, The Netherlands — The Cadillac Formula 1® Team finished the Dutch Grand Prix with Checo Perez crossing the finish line in P15 after an eventful 72-lap race. Teammate Valtteri Bottas did not finish, retiring with a hydraulic issue with 10 laps to go. The Cadillac Formula 1® Team will be back in action in just two weeks’ time in Round 13 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship™ at the Italian Grand Prix, September 4–6.
Checo Perez: Started: Pit Lane, Finished: P15, Fastest Lap: 1:17.523
“I think starting from the pit lane was the right decision, and we made some good progress throughout the race. Our pace was strong, and after being stuck behind Valtteri on the first lap, we managed to make the overcut work and move ahead. Unfortunately, we were a little unlucky with the Virtual Safety Car, which took away an opportunity we had been building towards.
Still, we managed to finish ahead of Williams, so there are positives to take from the race. We always give our best, and today we showed some good pace and made progress.”
Valtteri Bottas: Started: P20, Finished: DNF, Fastest Lap: 1:17.822
“Unfortunately, we suffered from a hydraulic issue that was affecting the rear wing. Checo had the same issue earlier this weekend and now it’s hampered us with only a handful of laps to go, which is a shame, but I’m confident the team will be able to resolve it. In the race itself, the first stint was decent as we were close to the Williams, but there’s some learnings to be had from our second stint as we analyze everything from this weekend and turn our focus to Monza.”
Marcin Budkowski, Team Principal
“An eventful debut and refresher for me with the Cadillac F1 Team, with plenty of complex decisions to make on strategy in changeable conditions in Zandvoort. It was great to see Checo finish P15 and fight for position throughout the race, although he was a little unfortunate with the timing of the VSC. Valtteri was only around 10 laps from the finish when we had to retire the car because of a hydraulic issue. It’s good to be back and I want to thank the team for all the hard work during a busy Grand Prix weekend. We have work to do on pace and reliability, but we’ll get there.”