General Motors (GM) and TWG Global have officially announced their Team Principal for the upcoming Cadillac Formula One programme, set to debut in 2026. The decision marks a significant milestone for Cadillac as the iconic American automotive brand prepares to enter the pinnacle of motorsport.
With the new boss at the helm, the team aims to establish itself as a competitive force in the sport, leveraging both technical expertise and strategic planning.
The appointment comes after more than a year of detailed preparation, led by TWG CEO Dan Towriss, who has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s vision following initial hurdles. The revised application, submitted in close co-operation with the FIA, has paved the way for Cadillac to become Formula One’s 11th team, in line with the sport’s new regulatory era which emphasises sustainability and electrification.
Lowdon’s wealth of experience
Graeme Lowdon has been appointed Cadillac F1 team principal for 2026 debut – Graeme Lowdon has an impressive resume that makes him the ideal choice to lead the Cadillac Formula One initiative.
A seasoned executive with deep knowledge of Formula One, Lowdon previously served as CEO of the Virgin, Marussia and Manor teams. His tenure in these roles included navigating the financial and competitive challenges of F1’s midfield and backmarker teams, providing him with invaluable insight into team management at the highest level of motorsport.
In addition to his F1 experience, Lowdon played a pivotal role in the Manor team’s transition into the World Endurance Championship (WEC), demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive across different motorsport disciplines. Over the past two years, he has also acted as an advisor on various motorsport initiatives, including working closely with Formula One driver Guanyu Zhou.
Now Lowdon faces the challenge of building Cadillac’s Formula One team from the ground up, a task that will require both technical acumen and strong leadership.
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Lowdon’s vision: Building a competitive foundation
In his first statement as Team Principal, Lowdon expressed his excitement at the opportunity:
“I am truly honoured to be appointed team principal for this exciting new venture and I would like to thank everyone involved for the trust they have placed in me.”
Highlighting the collaborative nature of Formula 1, Lowdon added: “For me, Formula 1 is the greatest team sport in the world and teams are made up of people,
“This team shares the passion and desire to race successfully and we have the experience and expertise to do it.”
Emphasising that the passion for motorsport is at the heart of the project, Lowdon said: “Racing is at the heart of everything we do,
“That’s what I look for in a team and I’m proud to be part of it. I don’t underestimate the challenges and have the utmost respect for the competition. I’m looking forward to the challenge, but in the meantime we’re working hard towards our goals.
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Lowdon’s previous Formula 1 experience
Graeme Lowdon’s journey in Formula One began with his leadership roles in several smaller teams, where he demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in meeting the challenges of competing in motorsport’s elite arena.
Lowdon first came to prominence in 2010 as CEO of Virgin Racing, a team that entered Formula One during the sport’s push for cost-cutting and technological innovation. Virgin Racing later evolved into the Marussia F1 Team, where Lowdon played a pivotal role in keeping the operation afloat amidst financial and competitive difficulties.
Under his leadership, the team achieved milestones such as Jules Bianchi’s historic ninth place finish in the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix, securing its first ever championship points.
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Following Marussia’s rebrand to Manor Racing in 2015, Lowdon continued to lead the team through one of the most challenging periods in its history, including recovery from administration and the tragic loss of Jules Bianchi.
Despite limited resources, Lowdon ensured Manor stayed on the grid, fostered a competitive spirit and pushed for innovation within financial constraints. His efforts helped cement his reputation as a skilled leader capable of maximising a team’s potential under pressure.
Beyond F1, Lowdon expanded his motorsport portfolio by leading Manor’s entry into the World Endurance Championship, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the sport. This breadth of experience makes him a natural choice to lead Cadillac’s Formula One debut in 2026.
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Strategic support from GM and TWG Global
The decision to appoint Lowdon was supported by key figures at both General Motors and TWG Global, underlining his value to the project. Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Global, spoke highly of Lowdon’s qualifications: “Graeme has advised our team over the past two years as we have built our business,
“His experience at a technical and organisational level in Formula 1 and other motorsport projects will help him to successfully build the Cadillac Formula 1 team”.
Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, echoed these sentiments: “Graeme has been an asset to our team over the past two years and we are delighted to have him join us as Team Principal on our journey to Formula One,
“He has great racing experience, knows how to build a high performance team and embodies the values that the Cadillac Formula One Team will represent on and off the track.”
Overcoming the initial hurdles
Cadillac’s journey into F1 has not been without its challenges. Initial resistance from some established teams and the complexity of the FIA’s entry process required GM and TWG Global to review and refine their application.
Dan Towriss has played a pivotal role in this process, shifting the focus to fostering long-term partnerships and embracing innovative technologies in line with the future direction of Formula One.
The 2026 rule changes, which include a greater emphasis on sustainable fuels and advanced hybrid systems, provide a unique opportunity for Cadillac to showcase its technological prowess. These new rules are expected to level the playing field, making it an opportune time for new teams to emerge.
Building a team from scratch
With Cadillac’s F1 entry now confirmed, Lowdon faces the monumental task of building a team from scratch. This includes developing the technical infrastructure, assembling a competitive workforce and forging partnerships with suppliers and sponsors. Lowdon’s previous experience in building and managing motorsport operations will be vital in meeting these challenges.
In his statement, Lowdon revealed the team’s ambitious pace: “Our work is progressing at a rapid pace,
“As well as the on-track competition, the team must also prepare for the off-track dynamics of Formula One, including marketing, fan engagement and compliance with the sport’s strict financial regulations.”
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A strategic realignment
Cadillac’s entry represents a strategic realignment for GM, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to innovation and sustainability. Partnering with TWG Global, a leader in promoting long-term sports ventures, has provided the stability and vision required for such a high-stakes endeavour.
By leveraging the global platform of Formula One, Cadillac aims to increase brand awareness while pushing the boundaries of automotive technology.
The team’s entry coincides with an era of significant change in the sport, as Formula One continues to expand its reach in the United States and beyond.
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Looking ahead
The next two years will be crucial for Cadillac and its Formula One project. From designing a competitive car to assembling a capable race team, each step will require meticulous planning and execution. The appointment of Graeme Lowdon signals the team’s intention to approach the challenge with professionalism and determination.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, the Cadillac Formula One Team is poised to make its mark in motorsport’s most prestigious arena.
With a blend of innovative technology, passionate leadership and a clear strategic vision, the team aims to not only compete, but thrive in Formula One.
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With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
