Cadillac warned of 'very tough' F1 debut season

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert has stated Cadillac must prepare for a “very tough” opening season on the grid this year.

The Cadillac F1 project has been in the works for over three years, starting out as a scheme led by Michael Andretti before it was taken over by General Motors.

Its entry will expand the field to 11 teams for the first time in a decade.

As it looks to stamp its own mark in the F1 paddock, Herbert has asserted it should expect to struggle for pace through its opening phases as it acclimatises to the demands of the sport.

“It's a whole new learning experience,” he told the Stay On Track podcast. “Yes, there are going to be experienced people there.

“But it's a whole different scenario when you're bringing a whole new team. There are expectations, I'm sure, from Cadillac itself.

“You're up against the greats of sport from the Ferraris of the world, Mercedes, Red Bulls and McLarens, for example. 

“So it's going to take time. Have they got enough time for that to all come together down the line? 

“I suppose we're all going to be talking about four or five years, probably. But it's going to be tough for them. I think it's going to be very tough.”

For its maiden season in F1, Cadillac has employed veteran race winners Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, while Graeme Lowdon will lead as team principal.

Although Bottas and Perez have vast experience competing for front-running teams, Herbert declared the pair will likely be forced to accept a backmarker role this year.

“They've got two great drivers who are going to be very, very useful, I suppose, for their input of the experiences they've had at various teams,” he said.

“But they are going to be the ones who are going to be fighting for those last few rows. It's going to be a bit tough for them.”