Cadillac announce Marcin Budkowski as new Team Principal

The announcement came as a surprise – the American outfit had not hinted at a leadership transition despite describing the move as “planned” in its press release. CEO Dan Towriss praised Budkowski’s “exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership,” positioning the hire as a pivotal step in the team’s evolution.

The new boss arrives to a team that, for the first time in its brief F1 history, has yet to score a championship point. Budkowski, who described the role as “a phase of huge opportunity,” said his focus will be on “maximising car development within the cost cap and turning every team function on to compete.” In his own words, “Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition.”

After early stints as an aerodynamicist with Prost, Ferrari and McLaren, he rose to head the FIA’s technical department, where he oversaw regulations that shape today’s cars. He later served as executive director of the Renault (now Alpine) squad, sharing dual‑principal duties alongside Davide Brivio in 2021. His 25‑year pedigree across top teams and the sport’s governing body has earned him a reputation akin to the “Polish Adrian Newey” among pundits, a label that underscores both his design insight and his capacity to navigate complex technical environments.

Cadillac’s decision to install Budkowski halfway through its debut season signals a strategic pivot. The team’s inaugural run has already demonstrated an “extraordinary foundation,” but the lack of points and recurring mechanical failures suggest that the current operational model may not be delivering the rapid development cadence needed under the 2026 cost‑cap regime.

What remains opaque, however, is why Lowdon – the architect who secured Cadillac’s entry rights and steered the build‑up phase – was removed at this juncture. Neither Cadillac nor Lowdon have offered a concrete explanation, leaving room for speculation about internal performance assessments or a strategic realignment unspoken in public statements. Until the team’s next race results surface, the true impact of Budkowski’s appointment on Cadillac’s fortunes will stay a matter of watchful anticipation.