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F1 team boss removed from role as replacement announced

Cadillac has made a major leadership change during its first Formula 1 season, announcing that Graeme Lowdon has left his position as team principal and will be replaced immediately by experienced F1 figure Marcin Budkowski. The unexpected move comes as the new American-backed team continues adjusting to the demands of competing in Formula 1.

Lowdon played an important role in bringing Cadillac into the championship. He helped guide the organisation through its preparation for F1 and remained at the forefront as the team officially entered the sport in 2026. Cadillac credited him with helping establish the foundations of the project during its initial development phase.

However, the team has now decided that a change in leadership is necessary as it moves from preparation and construction toward improving its performance on track. Cadillac described the decision as a planned leadership transition rather than simply a reaction to one particular result.

Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss thanked Lowdon for his work and acknowledged his contribution to building the team from the ground up. Lowdon’s departure means Cadillac will now begin the next stage of its Formula 1 journey under different leadership.

Taking over is Marcin Budkowski, a familiar name to long-time F1 followers. The Polish engineer has spent more than two decades working in Formula 1 and has held several significant technical and management positions.

Budkowski previously worked with the FIA before making the move to Renault, which later became Alpine. During his time with the Renault organisation, he held a senior technical role and was involved in the team’s development during an important period of its rebuilding process.

His return to the paddock represents a significant opportunity. Cadillac is still establishing itself as a competitive F1 operation, and Budkowski’s experience could prove valuable as the team works to strengthen its technical structure, decision-making process and overall performance.

The timing of the announcement is also notable because Cadillac has endured a difficult beginning to its debut campaign. The team is currently without a championship point, with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas forming its driver pairing.

Budkowski has made it clear that his immediate priority will be improving the way the organisation operates. His focus will include better communication between personnel, more efficient use of information and ensuring important decisions are made quickly enough to produce improvements at each race.

His first major challenge will come as Formula 1 heads toward the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Cadillac will hope that the leadership change can provide fresh momentum during the second half of its debut season.

Although replacing a team principal midway through a campaign is a significant development, Cadillac appears determined to treat the move as part of its long-term strategy. The organisation is no longer simply preparing to enter Formula 1; it is now attempting to become a serious competitor.

For Budkowski, the assignment offers the chance to help shape a new team from an early stage. For Cadillac, his appointment signals that the focus has shifted firmly toward performance, development and building a stronger foundation for future seasons.

The coming races will therefore provide an early indication of whether this leadership change can help Cadillac turn its ambitious F1 project into a more competitive operation.