Cadillac Has Reduced MAC-26 Brake Temperatures
The team implemented cooling updates after chronic overheating caused multiple race retirements earlier this season.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Motorsports
Live Poll
Do you believe technical upgrades can rapidly improve a new Formula 1 team's race performance?
Cadillac successfully lowered front brake temperatures by 100 degrees Celsius on its MAC-26 race car. The improvement followed the introduction of redesigned cooling inlet and exit duct profiles at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Why it matters
Chronic brake overheating had previously forced team retirements at circuits in Hungary, Monaco, and Austria. Addressing these thermal management issues is critical to maintaining competitiveness and preventing mechanical failures.
Cadillac achieved a 100-degree Celsius reduction in front brake temperatures following modifications. Additionally, the integration of Ferrari power unit upgrades has yielded a performance improvement of 0.15 seconds per lap.
The players
Cadillac
Cadillac is an automotive manufacturer competing in high-level international motorsport categories.
Craig Skinner
Craig Skinner serves as the chief development engineer for the Cadillac racing program.
Eric Blandin
Eric Blandin holds the position of head of aerodynamics at Cadillac.
Tim Lean
Tim Lean acts as the chief engineer for aerodynamics modelling and simulation at Cadillac.
The details
The team focused on updating cooling inlet and exit duct profiles to mitigate the heat issues that plagued the MAC-26 throughout the year. These revisions represent a significant departure from earlier, unsuccessful attempts to manage temperatures through adjustments to inlet scoop and aperture surfaces at the Hungaroring.
Timeline
September 2026: Azerbaijan Grand Prix cooling upgrades were introduced.
September 2026: The team participated in testing at the Sepang circuit.
Season Trajectory
These engineering modifications mark a shift in Cadillac's competitive standing after a season hampered by mechanical fragility. While the technical progress stabilizes the MAC-26, the team remains concerned about its long-term performance prospects for the remainder of the calendar.
The 0.15-second gain provided by Ferrari power unit upgrades may help the team qualify higher in upcoming sessions. However, the anticipated struggles at the Bahrain Grand Prix suggest that cooling improvements alone may not resolve all current car handling deficiencies.
The takeaway
Reliability upgrades are essential for teams to convert raw pace into consistent points finishes throughout a race calendar. Technical staff must balance cooling demands with aerodynamic efficiency to remain competitive against rival constructors.
Further reading
For more news on recent technical developments, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motorsport.
Live Poll
Do you believe technical upgrades can rapidly improve a new Formula 1 team's race performance?
