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Cadillac F1 Confirms Lowdon Dismissal Was Not Mutual
Cadillac’s Formula 1 entry has announced a leadership change, confirming that Graeme Lowdon's departure as team principal was not a joint decision, with Marcin Budkowski stepping in immediately.
By Nadia van Leeuwen - 2026-08-13T11:33:04.000Z - 2 min read
Cadillac's Formula 1 venture has announced a significant leadership shift, confirming that team principal Graeme Lowdon has been removed from his position. The team explicitly stated the decision for his exit was 'not a mutual agreement,' bringing former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski into the role with immediate effect for the remainder of the 2026 season and beyond.
Dan Towriss, a figure associated with the Cadillac F1 project, provided clarity on the circumstances surrounding Lowdon’s departure. He indicated that the long-serving motorsport figure was only informed of the team's decision on the morning of the official announcement, underscoring the sudden and unilateral nature of the change. This swift action took place during Formula 1's traditional summer shutdown period.
Marcin Budkowski now takes the helm of the Cadillac F1 team. His appointment marks a return to a high-profile F1 leadership role, following his previous tenure as executive director at Alpine. Budkowski's experience includes overseeing technical and operational aspects of a works team, which will now be crucial for Cadillac as it navigates its current campaign and future aspirations.
The timing of the announcement, during a break in the racing calendar, adds a layer of intrigue to the situation. While F1 teams often use the summer shutdown for strategic planning and internal adjustments, a team principal's non-mutual dismissal, followed by an immediate replacement, signals a decisive shift in direction or philosophy from the leadership structure.
With the official confirmation indicating a non-mutual parting, focus now turns to the reasons behind such a definitive move. Details concerning the rationale for Lowdon's dismissal and Cadillac's specific objectives for the change remain largely undisclosed from the team's perspective beyond the fact of the replacement. Lowdon himself has yet to issue a public statement regarding his departure.
This unexpected change at the top introduces a period of transition for Cadillac as Budkowski integrates into his new role. The team will be looking to minimise any potential disruption as it aims to consolidate its performance and continue its development trajectory in the highly competitive Formula 1 environment, all under fresh leadership.