Marcin Budkowski has been appointed as the new team principal of the Cadillac Formula 1® Team, taking over from Graeme Lowdon. This leadership change comes as the team continues to establish its presence in the championship, aiming to improve its competitiveness in the highly demanding environment of Formula 1®.
Budkowski brings a wealth of experience to Cadillac, having spent 25 years in Formula 1® in various technical and leadership roles. His career includes positions at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, and Renault, as well as heading the FIA’s Formula 1® technical department. Most recently, he served as executive director at Alpine before accepting the challenge at Cadillac.
The Cadillac Formula 1® Team, a relatively new entrant currently positioned at the back of the constructors’ standings without championship points, is looking to Budkowski to guide its development. His focus will be on enhancing the team’s performance, optimizing car development within the cost cap, and fostering a culture aimed at building a competitive and successful organisation. CEO Dan Towriss highlighted Budkowski’s technical expertise and leadership qualities as essential for the team’s evolution toward front-running competitiveness.
Budkowski is set to begin his role at the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in Zandvoort. The team is also in the process of finalising new infrastructure in Indiana, which is part of its broader development strategy. This investment in facilities and leadership reflects Cadillac’s commitment to establishing a solid foundation in the sport.
Graeme Lowdon, who had been team principal since December 2024, played a key role in setting up the team’s initial framework. The transition to Budkowski marks a new phase focused on performance improvement and long-term growth rather than immediate results.
While Cadillac’s current position in the championship is at the lower end of the grid, the appointment of an experienced figure like Budkowski signals the team’s intent to progress steadily. His background in both technical and executive roles across multiple Formula 1® teams is expected to provide valuable insight into managing the complexities of car development and team operations under the sport’s financial regulations.
This leadership change highlights the challenges faced by new teams entering Formula 1® and the importance of experienced management in navigating the competitive and regulatory landscape. Budkowski’s arrival at Cadillac will be closely observed as the team works to translate its foundational efforts into improved on-track performance.