2026 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX — QUALIFYING REPORT
September 5, 2026 — Monza, Italy — The Cadillac Formula 1® Team will line up for tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix with its best starting positions to date. Valtteri Bottas and Checo Perez will line up P16 and P17. Both drivers will gain positions on the grid following penalties for competitors, having originally qualified P19 and P20 and ahead of both Aston Martins. The duo will return to the track tomorrow looking to make solid progress in the 53-lap race that will start at 3 p.m. local time.
Checo Perez:
Qualified: P20 Q1: 1:24.595
“Overall, I think we did a good job with everything we had today. We have a decent race pace, and this is the most important thing for tomorrow to go a bit further ahead, it will be the main target for us. Having the positive tone and approach can make a difference, and I think we managed that well. We’ll now focus on making the most of the opportunities we have for tomorrow.”
Valtteri Bottas: Qualified: P19 Q1: 1:24.364
“A straightforward and well executed Qualifying session for us today. We had three good laps which put us ahead of Aston Martin and very close to Alex [Albon]. So far this weekend has gone smoothly which has allowed us to focus on the fine details of the setup, so it feels like we’re maximizing our package. With the penalties up ahead, we start tomorrow’s race from the team’s best starting position of P16.”
Marcin Budkowski, Team Principal:
“It was a well-executed qualifying session for us. We are ahead of Aston Martin and just one hundredth away from gaining another position, which gives us our best combined starting position as a team, with penalties applied.
“That is encouraging, but we will not get ahead of ourselves. Tomorrow is a long, hot race, and the key will be to stay focused and execute well, so we can make the most of every opportunity.”