Valtteri Bottas finds reasons for optimism despite limited running in Barcelona

It is not often you look at a P18 result and see a driver smiling, but that is exactly where Valtteri Bottas finds himself after Friday’s practice sessions at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. Despite a mechanical issue cutting his time short during FP2, the Finn was genuinely encouraged by how his machine is behaving on track.

Here is the thing: the Cadillac felt much more predictable than before. Even with the truncated running, Bottas maintained a consistent pace, finishing P18 in both FP1 and FP2. If the balance truly is as settled as he suggests, the car might just offer him a platform to build on for the remainder of the weekend.