Cadillac has announced the termination of Graeme Lowdon’s tenure as team principal, installing Marcin Budkowski in the role as part of what the organisation describes as a "planned leadership transition" for its 2026 Formula 1 campaign. Budkowski, a seasoned engineer and former Alpine executive director who departed the French outfit in 2022, steps into the position at a time when Cadillac remains the only newcomer on the grid that has yet to register a championship point after the first eleven rounds of the season. The 49‑year‑old Polish‑French technical director will oversee his inaugural race weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, which marks the sport’s return from the four‑week summer hiatus, scheduled for 21‑23 August at Zandvoort. The decision to replace Lowdon, who was hired in December 2024 to lead Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 and oversaw the assembly of a driver line‑up featuring Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas, came as a surprise to many insiders.
While the team’s official statement framed the change as a pre‑planned succession, there had been no prior indication that Lowdon would be removed before the conclusion of Cadillac’s debut season. Cadillac’s chief executive, Dan Towriss, explained the rationale behind the move, stating, "Marcin’s appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
From the outset, our ambition has never been merely to take part in the sport, but to construct a next‑generation operation capable of challenging at the front of the grid. As we enter this new era, Marcin brings extensive Formula 1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will reinforce our organisation and help us cultivate the winning mindset, tools and processes required for long‑term success." The timing of the leadership shift coincides with a difficult start for the American‑backed squad. Despite a promising launch, Cadillac has struggled with reliability, suffering nine retirements across Pérez and Bottas in the first eleven races.
Their performance has deteriorated as the season has progressed, with both cars only reaching the chequered flag together in a single event out of the last seven contests. While it is not unexpected for a brand‑new team to face teething problems, the persistent technical setbacks have evidently prompted the board to accelerate a change at the top.
Towriss also paid tribute to Lowdon’s contributions, noting, "We are grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up. His efforts helped establish a solid foundation during our build‑up phase, and we wish him the very best moving forward." In a virtual press conference later that Wednesday, Towriss clarified that the decision to dismiss Lowdon was unilateral and had been communicated to the Briton only hours before the public announcement. "It was my decision, not a mutual one," he said.
"The process began months ago as we evaluated the next phase for Cadillac F1, the appropriate timing, and the capabilities of potential candidates. Our discussions with Marcin evolved positively, leading to this appointment." Towriss further elaborated on the delicate nature of leadership changes within a high‑pressure environment like Formula 1.
"Imagine the press reaction if Marcin were simply touring the factory or holding informal talks while Graeme was still in charge – it would be destabilising. Respecting the existing hierarchy is essential, even if it compresses the transition timeline and makes the change feel abrupt. That is the reality of Formula 1, and it had to happen this way," he explained.
Budkowski’s résumé includes stints at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA before his four‑year tenure with Renault/Alpine, where he served as executive director until his departure in 2022. Upon accepting the Cadillac role, he outlined his vision for the team: "Cadillac Formula 1 Team possesses an extraordinary foundation and ambition. This phase presents a massive opportunity, defined by a clear objective: maximise car development within the cost cap and align every department to compete.
That means building an elite organisation with a winning mindset—driven, relentless in the face of setbacks, obsessed with detail and process, and capable of executing with precision on race day." He added, "My focus will be on synchronising our people, tools and information flow so that the right decisions are made swiftly, and the car’s performance improves with each outing. It is a privilege to lead Cadillac’s on‑track efforts, starting at Zandvoort next weekend." Budkowski’s emphasis on rapid decision‑making and continuous development reflects the team’s need to close the gap to established rivals while operating within the sport’s stringent budgetary constraints.
The Dutch Grand Prix will therefore serve as a crucial test for the newly restructured leadership. The event, featuring a sprint format, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed via NOW without a contract, offering fans worldwide a chance to witness how the Cadillac team adapts under Budkowski’s guidance. As the season resumes after the summer break, all eyes will be on the American marque to see whether the strategic shift can translate into tangible on‑track improvements and perhaps, finally, that elusive first championship point.