Budkowski Takes Over as Principal of Cadillac's F1 Team, Succeeding Lowdon

In a significant leadership change, Cadillac has appointed Marcin Budkowski as the new team principal, replacing Graeme Lowdon after just half a season. This transition, announced on Wednesday, is described by the team as a strategic move aimed at enhancing their competitive edge in Formula One.

Budkowski, a seasoned engineer with a diverse background in the sport, brings a wealth of experience to the role. At 49 years old, the Polish-French professional has previously held key positions at renowned teams such as Ferrari and McLaren, as well as serving in the FIA. Lowdon, who is 61, has been instrumental in Cadillac's journey since its inception as the 11th team in Formula One, overseeing the hiring of staff and the debut of their cars at the Australian Grand Prix in March.

Despite their efforts, Cadillac has struggled to score points in the current season, remaining the only team without a point after 11 races. However, they have shown competitive performance, often outpacing Aston Martin, with experienced drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas at the helm. In their official statement, Cadillac expressed confidence that Budkowski's leadership will facilitate a smoother transition from their initial development phase to a focus on racing performance.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac F1 and head of team owners TWG Motorsports, emphasized Budkowski's extensive Formula One experience and technical acumen. "His exceptional expertise and strategic leadership will fortify our organization and cultivate the winning mindset necessary for long-term success," Towriss stated. Budkowski's career in Formula One began in 2001 with the now-defunct Prost team, followed by significant roles at Ferrari and McLaren, and later as the technical and sporting coordinator for the FIA. Most recently, he served as executive director at Renault F1 from 2017 to 2022.

In his new role, Budkowski aims to streamline operations within the team, focusing on aligning personnel, tools, and information flow to ensure swift decision-making and continuous improvement in car performance. "My priority will be to ensure that the right decisions are made quickly, enhancing our performance with each race," he remarked. The team is set to compete next at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort on August 23, following the summer break in the European racing calendar.