Cadillac replaces Lowdon with ex-Alpine boss Budkowski as F1 team principal

Cadillac Formula 1 has parted ways with team principal Graeme Lowdon and appointed Marcin Budkowski as his replacement, with the 49-year-old set to take charge from the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Budkowski brings more than 25 years of Formula 1 experience to the role, having worked as an aerodynamicist at Prost, Ferrari and McLaren before leading the FIA’s F1 technical department. He subsequently joined the Renault outfit as executive director, sharing team principal duties with Davide Brivio during the 2021 season, before departing and moving into consulting and punditry.

“Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition,” Budkowski said. “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. My focus will be on aligning our people, tools and information flow so the right decisions are made quickly, and the performance of the car improves every time we go racing.”

The French-educated Pole inherits a significant challenge. Cadillac currently sits last in the constructors’ standings and is yet to score its maiden world championship points as it continues to adapt to the demands of the grid. The team is also finalising new infrastructure in Indiana as part of its longer-term build-out.

CEO Dan Towriss framed the appointment as a step toward sustained competitiveness rather than 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.”

Lowdon, who was hired in December 2024, departs having overseen the team’s formation phase. Towriss acknowledged his contribution, saying: “His efforts helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”

Budkowski’s arrival signals a shift in emphasis from construction to competition, with Cadillac now looking to convert its infrastructure investment into on-track results.