Aitken Calm as Cadillac’s Podium Streak Grows

Jack Aitken insists there is no cause for alarm at Whelen Cadillac despite the team extending its podium run without converting one into a victory, following another near-miss at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.

The British-Korean driver once again delivered a strong opening stint in the #31 Cadillac V-Series.R, climbing from fourth on the grid to the front of the field before handing over to co-driver Frederik Vesti. However, a well-timed late caution ultimately swung the race in favour of Acura Meyer Shank Racing, leaving Vesti to fight but unable to overhaul Renger van der Zande in the closing stages.

After a tense sprint to the flag and several restarts in the final phase, Vesti crossed the line 0.818 seconds adrift of victory. It marked Whelen Cadillac’s third consecutive podium to open the 2026 IMSA campaign—yet still no win.

Despite the frustration, Aitken struck a composed tone rather than disappointment.

“There aren’t many cars consistently performing at this level right now,” he said. “Of course it’s frustrating not to be on the top step, but we’re scoring strong points and we’re always in the fight.

“If you keep putting yourself in that position, the wins will come. We’re not panicking. We’re confident in what we’re doing.”

Consistency without reward

The result continues a pattern of strong pace undermined by circumstance and timing. Cadillac appeared to have control of the race at various stages, particularly during Aitken’s opening stint, but the decisive full-course yellow with around an hour remaining neutralised their advantage and allowed Acura to reset strategy.

Vesti, who also serves as Mercedes’ Formula 1 reserve driver, echoed his teammate’s measured assessment, while acknowledging the pivotal nature of the caution period.

“Being frustrated with second place says a lot about this team,” he said. “Jack did an amazing job getting us into the lead. But that full-course yellow didn’t go our way, and that made the difference.

“From my side it was about keeping it clean and pushing as hard as I could. Renger was quick, and it wasn’t easy to find a way past.”

Whelen Cadillac’s start to 2026

Despite missing out on victory again, the team’s consistency places them among the early championship contenders. For Aitken, the message remains unchanged: the breakthrough is a matter of when, not if.