Cadillac has appointed Marcin Budkowski as the new Team Principal of their Formula 1® outfit, replacing Graeme Lowdon during the 2026 season. This leadership change comes as the team looks to move beyond its initial establishment phase and address ongoing challenges in performance and reliability.
Lowdon, who was named Team Principal at the end of 2024, played a key role in building the team from the ground up. His responsibilities included recruiting staff, setting up infrastructure, and overseeing the development of the car ahead of the team’s debut at the Australian Grand Prix earlier this year. Despite laying a solid foundation and earning respect within the paddock, Cadillac had yet to score points by the summer break and faced persistent reliability problems, particularly with overheating brakes.
The decision to replace Lowdon was made by Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss and General Motors leadership, reflecting concerns over the slow progress and recurring technical issues. Budkowski, who brings extensive Formula 1® experience from roles at Alpine, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault/Alpine, and the FIA, was available to join immediately without a gardening leave period. Prior to this appointment, he had been working as a broadcaster.
Budkowski’s role is focused on transitioning Cadillac from the team-building stage to improving on-track performance. His immediate priorities include addressing the reliability concerns that have hampered the team’s competitiveness and working to close the gap to midfield rivals. He has begun integrating into the team’s Silverstone factory and is preparing the squad for the second half of the season, which still includes 12 races.
Cadillac’s driver lineup, featuring Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, remains unchanged as the team seeks to enhance its race results under Budkowski’s leadership. The team also plans to expand its staff in the coming months, with Budkowski expected to assess and strengthen various operational areas to support performance gains.
This leadership change highlights the challenges faced by new entrants in the highly competitive environment of Formula 1®. While the initial groundwork was established under Lowdon’s guidance, Cadillac’s management has opted for a strategic shift aimed at tackling technical issues and accelerating development during their debut season.
Budkowski’s appointment brings a wealth of technical and managerial expertise, which Cadillac hopes will help the team navigate the complexities of Formula 1® racing and improve its standing in the championship. The coming months will be critical as the team works to resolve its reliability problems and enhance its competitiveness on track.