Cadillac has announced the dismissal of Graeme Lowdon from his role as team principal, appointing Marcin Budkowski as his successor in what the organization describes as a "planned leadership transition" for its 2026 Formula 1 entry. Budkowski, a seasoned engineer with a mixed Polish‑French background, previously served as the executive director of Alpine until his departure in 2022.
His first race at the helm will be the Dutch Grand Prix, scheduled for August 21‑23, marking the resumption of the season after a four‑week summer hiatus. Lowdon, who was brought on board in December 2024 to lead the Cadillac project, oversaw the team’s initial preparations and the recruitment of a driver line‑up featuring Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
While his tenure coincided with the team’s debut on the grid, Cadillac remains the only newcomer that has yet to score a championship point after eleven rounds of competition. The lack of points, combined with a series of reliability problems that have forced retirements in nine of the first eleven Grands Prix, likely contributed to the decision to change leadership. Cadillac’s chief executive, Dan Towriss, explained the rationale behind the move: "Marcin's appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.
From the beginning, our goal has not been simply to participate in Formula 1, but to build a next‑generation team capable of competing at the very front. As we enter this new era, Marcin brings exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will strengthen our organisation and help us develop the winning mindset, tools and processes required for long‑term success." Towriss also expressed gratitude to Lowdon, noting that his contributions helped lay a solid foundation during the team's build‑up phase.
During a virtual press conference, Towriss confirmed that the decision to remove Lowdon was his alone and that the former principal was informed only hours before the public announcement. "It was my decision, it wasn't a mutual decision," he said, adding that the transition had been under consideration for several months.
He described the difficulty of managing a leadership change in the high‑pressure environment of Formula 1, especially when a new principal might be seen touring the factory or engaging with media while the outgoing leader is still present. "It becomes destabilising at that point," Towriss warned, emphasizing the need to respect the existing hierarchy even as the organization moves quickly. Budkowski’s résumé includes stints at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA before his four‑year spell with Renault/Alpine. In his inaugural statement, he highlighted the team's strong foundations and the opportunities ahead: "Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition.
This is a phase of huge opportunity for the team, one that will be defined by a clear objective: maximising car development within the cost cap and turning every team function on 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 able to execute with precision on race day." Budkowski outlined his immediate priorities, focusing on aligning personnel, tools and information flow to enable rapid decision‑making and continuous performance gains. "My focus will be on aligning our people, tools and information flow so the right decisions are made quickly, and the performance of the car improves every time we go racing. It is a privilege to be leading Cadillac Formula 1 Team's on‑track efforts, starting in Zandvoort next weekend," he said.
The change comes at a challenging juncture for Cadillac. The team’s reliability has deteriorated as the season has progressed, with both cars finishing only one of the last seven races. Technical issues have plagued the squad, leading to nine retirements between Perez and Bottas across the first eleven rounds.
While it is not unexpected for a brand‑new outfit to struggle in its debut season, the lack of points and mounting reliability concerns have likely intensified pressure on senior management. Looking ahead, the Dutch Grand Prix will serve as Budkowski’s first test as team principal. The event will feature a sprint format and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract. As the team seeks to turn its fortunes around, the focus will be on extracting maximum performance from the car within the constraints of the 2026 cost cap, improving pit stop efficiency, and fostering a culture that can withstand the inevitable setbacks of Formula 1 competition.
In summary, Cadillac’s leadership overhaul reflects a strategic pivot aimed at accelerating the team's development trajectory. By bringing in a veteran like Marcin Budkowski, the organization hopes to harness his extensive experience across multiple top‑tier teams to create a more resilient, competitive operation. The upcoming races will reveal whether this calculated shift can translate into tangible results on the track, potentially ending the points drought and establishing Cadillac as a credible contender in the sport’s evolving landscape.