Cadillac replace Lowdon with ex-Alpine director Budkowski as F1 team principal

Cadillac Formula 1 have dismissed team principal Graeme Lowdon and replaced him with Marcin Budkowski, the former Alpine executive director, with the change taking effect ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Lowdon, who was hired in December 2024 to help build the American outfit from the ground up, departs after less than a year in the role. CEO Dan Towriss acknowledged his contribution in a statement, saying Lowdon’s work “helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase.”

Budkowski, 49, brings considerable pedigree to the position. The French-educated Pole began his F1 career as an aerodynamicist at Prost, Ferrari and McLaren before moving into governance as head of the FIA’s F1 technical department. He then joined Renault, where he shared team principal duties with Davide Brivio during the 2021 season before departing the outfit — subsequently renamed Alpine — and moving into consulting and punditry.

“Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition,” Budkowski said on his appointment. “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.”

He outlined a performance-first mandate, adding: “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.”

The task facing Budkowski is a steep one. Cadillac currently sits last in the constructors’ standings and is yet to score its maiden world championship points since joining the grid as F1’s newest constructor. The team is also in the process of finalising new infrastructure in Indiana.

Towriss framed the appointment as part of a broader ambition beyond mere participation. “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,” he said. “Marcin brings exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will strengthen our organisation.”

Budkowski confirmed his tenure begins immediately, with Zandvoort next weekend serving as his first race in charge.