Valtteri Bottas was unable to start the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix after a cross-threaded wheel nut prevented a tire change on the grid. The Cadillac driver had qualified 18th and was set to begin the race from 17th position at Interlagos.
Mechanics attempted to remove the pre-race tire to fit the race tire on the right rear of his car. However, the wheel nut became rounded, making removal impossible before the start of the Grand Prix.
Bottas expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s sad to not start the race, because every race is an opportunity.” This incident marks a recurring technical issue for the Finn.
A similar problem occurred during the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix when Bottas was with Mercedes. A stuck right front wheel nut forced his retirement, and it took approximately 43 hours to remove the wheel at the factory.
Cadillac, in its debut 2026 Formula 1 season, has faced significant reliability challenges. The team currently sits last in the constructors’ standings, 11th, without scoring any points after 19 rounds.
Bottas has experienced five retirements in the first 11 races of the season. He also sustained a heavy crash in Mexico two weeks prior to the São Paulo event.
Team Principal Marcin Budkowski, who took over in August 2026, acknowledged the challenging day for Cadillac. The team utilizes Ferrari power units for its MAC-26 chassis.
Sergio Perez, Bottas’s teammate, finished 18th in the São Paulo Grand Prix, two laps down. He started 22nd due to a 30-place grid penalty for exceeding his power unit component allocation.
Perez also encountered a slow pit stop during the race, attributing it to a wheel gun problem. He noted this was a repeat of an issue experienced at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
In Mexico, a wheel-gun failure cost Perez four to five seconds. A software-related pit lane speeding penalty further compromised his race, where he ultimately finished 16th.
The Cadillac team’s operational difficulties come amid reports that its majority owner, TWG Global, is seeking to sell its controlling stake. The reported value is at least $3 billion.
Fenway Sports Group is among the entities reportedly considering a purchase. General Motors maintains an undisclosed minority stake in the team.
Despite having a contract with Cadillac until the end of 2027, Valtteri Bottas’s future with the team is subject to speculation. Cadillac has an option for his 2027 seat.
Bottas has publicly stated his expectation to remain with the team, emphasizing his long-term commitment. Team Principal Budkowski has not guaranteed the current driver lineup.
Meanwhile, Colton Herta, Cadillac’s test driver, secured the necessary 40 points for an FIA Super License during Friday practice at the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Herta completed 31 laps in Sergio Perez’s car, fulfilling the 100km requirement. This makes him eligible for a full Super License and a potential F1 race seat in 2027.
The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix was won by Lando Norris for McLaren. Max Verstappen finished second after starting 21st, with Isack Hadjar completing the podium for Red Bull.
Mercedes secured the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, with George Russell finishing fourth and Kimi Antonelli fifth. Lewis Hamilton placed ninth in his 400th Grand Prix.
F1 wheel nuts, often made of titanium alloys, are critical components designed to withstand extreme forces. Issues like cross-threading or wheel gun malfunctions can lead to significant delays or retirements.
