Marcin Budkowski has been appointed as the new head of the Cadillac team in Formula 1 for the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond, according to a team announcement released on Wednesday. The 49-year-old Polish national replaces 61-year-old Graeme Lowdon, who had led the General Motors-backed program since 2024.
Leadership Shakeup at Cadillac F1
According to the official team statement, Budkowski’s appointment marks a planned transition as the organization moves past its initial development phase.
Cadillac currently stands as the only team on the grid yet to score a championship point through the first 11 rounds of the season. Despite the scoreless run, team leadership noted that Budkowski arrives to build long-term competitiveness, bringing prior experience from stints at Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Alpine, and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
Budkowski’s F1 Trajectory and Technical Background
Budkowski began his Formula 1 career in 2001 with the now-defunct Prost team. He subsequently moved to Ferrari before joining McLaren in 2007. In 2014, he transitioned to the FIA as technical and sporting coordinator, later serving as Renault F1’s head and most recently as executive director of Alpine until 2022.
Dan Towriss, chief executive officer of Cadillac F1 and head of TWG Motorsports, stated that Budkowski “brings exceptional Formula 1 experience, technical knowledge, and strategic leadership that will strengthen the organization and help develop the winning mentality, tools, and processes necessary for long-term success.”
Focus on Zandvoort and Beyond
“I will focus on coordinating our people, tools, and information flow to quickly make the right decisions, so car performance improves with every race,” Budkowski said.
Cadillac has leaned on the veteran driver lineup of Sergio Perez of Mexico and Valtteri Bottas of Finland through the early rounds of the campaign.
Pro Tip: Tracking F1 Technical Transitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head of Cadillac F1?
Marcin Budkowski was appointed as the new head of the Cadillac team in Formula 1 for the rest of the 2026 season and beyond, replacing Graeme Lowdon.
What teams has Marcin Budkowski previously worked with?
Budkowski has worked with Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, Alpine, and the FIA throughout his career in motorsport.
How has Cadillac performed in the 2026 season?
Cadillac is the only team on the grid that has not scored a championship point through the first 11 rounds of the season, despite driving duties handled by Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.
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