Cadillac Makes Mid-Season Team Principal Change – Cadillac has made a major change to the leadership of its Formula 1 operation, appointing Marcin Budkowski as team principal with immediate effect and replacing Graeme Lowdon during the 2026 summer break. The move comes just months after Cadillac made its F1 debut and ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort on August 23.
The team described the change as part of a planned transition from its initial build-up phase into a period focused more heavily on sporting performance. Lowdon had been central to establishing Cadillac’s operation and guiding the American manufacturer onto the F1 grid as the sport’s 11th team.
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss paid tribute to Lowdon while explaining the reasoning behind the appointment of Budkowski.
“Marcin’s signing is another important step in the development of the Cadillac Formula 1 team,” Towriss said.
He added that Cadillac’s ambition extends beyond simply establishing itself in Formula 1, with the long-term objective of competing for victories and championships. Towriss also thanked Lowdon for helping build the team and establish the foundations for its F1 entry.
Budkowski Returns With Extensive F1 Experience
Budkowski brings a substantial background in Formula 1 to the role. The Polish engineer previously worked with the FIA and held positions at teams including Prost, Ferrari and McLaren before becoming Executive Director of Renault, later Alpine.
He left Alpine in 2022 and subsequently worked as a television pundit in Poland. His appointment therefore marks a return to the F1 paddock after several years away from team management.
Cadillac’s decision comes at a significant point in the team’s development. After spending years preparing for its entry, the new operation has now completed its first 11 Grands Prix of the 2026 season.
Cadillac sits 11th in the constructors’ championship without a point after those opening 11 races, although its performance has at times been competitive with established midfield teams.
Cadillac Wants Faster Development and Decisions
Budkowski has made clear that improving the team’s internal operation will be a central part of his new position.
“Cadillac has an exceptional foundation and great ambitions. Now it’s about maximizing the development of the car within the budget cap and optimally aligning all areas of the team with the competition,” Budkowski said.
His immediate priorities will include improving processes, accelerating decision-making and finding additional performance from the car.
That represents an important shift for Cadillac. Lowdon’s role was heavily focused on establishing the organisation and navigating the complex process of getting a new manufacturer onto the F1 grid. Budkowski now inherits an operational team that has made its debut and must begin turning that foundation into competitive performance.
The timing of the change is also notable. Cadillac has made the announcement during the summer shutdown, giving Budkowski an opportunity to take charge before the championship resumes.
Lowdon’s Cadillac Chapter Comes to an End
Lowdon was appointed team principal in December 2024 and played a central role in preparing Cadillac for its long-awaited F1 entry. His previous experience with the Virgin, Marussia and Manor organisations made him an important figure in the process of building another new team from the ground up.
Cadillac’s official statement framed his departure as the conclusion of the team’s development phase rather than providing details of any specific disagreement or performance-related incident.
“We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up,” Towriss said. “His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”
Budkowski will take charge at the track for the first time at Zandvoort. With Cadillac now moving from building an F1 team to developing a competitive one, his appointment will provide
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an early indication of how quickly the new leadership structure can translate its ambitions into results.
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