Cadillac F1 sack Graeme Lowdon and appoint Marcin Budkowski as principal

Cadillac have sacked team principal Graeme Lowdon and replaced him with Marcin Budkowski following a point-less start to their debut Formula 1 season.

The American outfit, who joined the grid at the start of 2026, are the only constructor yet to score in the opening 11 rounds.

Budkowski returns to the paddock for the first time since departing his role as Alpine executive director in 2022.

The 49-year-old Polish engineer will take charge of the rookie team at the Dutch Grand Prix, as the sport returns from its four-week summer break in late August.

A planned leadership transition

Despite the sudden nature of the dismissal, Cadillac chief executive Dan Towris described the managerial change as an important step in their continued evolution.

“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.”

Dan Towris, Cadillac F1 chief executive

Towris stated that their new appointment brings exceptional technical expertise and strategic leadership to the struggling organisation.

He believes this vast experience will help develop the winning mindset and processes required for long-term success.

End of the road for Lowdon

Lowdon was originally appointed to lead the ambitious motorsport project in December 2024.

He successfully oversaw the team’s lengthy preparations and secured the experienced driver pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their inaugural campaign.

Towris expressed gratitude to the departing boss for his leadership in building the squad from the ground up.

He credited Lowdon with establishing a strong foundation during the crucial build-up phase before wishing him well for the future.