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Cadillac replaces Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski

8/12/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Budkowski Takes Helm

Cadillac announced August 12, 2026 that Graeme Lowdon was replaced by Marcin Budkowski.
Budkowski, 49, led Alpine and held technical roles at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA.
CEO Dan Towriss said the change shifts the team from build-up to performance as it sits 11th with zero points after 11 races.
Budkowski will debut at Zandvoort on August 21-23 with drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to accelerate car development.

Summary

Budkowski Appointed

Dan Towriss said the leadership swap was not linked to Cadillac’s overheating-brake problems.
He said the timing offered a window to build a new design rather than refine the current one.
Towriss noted that he and Lowdon had discussed a future transition, though the window closed early.
Lowdon, 61, was informed of his removal on Wednesday morning.
The CEO said Budkowski’s expertise will instill a winning mindset and long-term processes.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 Ross Brawn bought Honda’s F1 operation for £1, kept a $100 million budget and, with Mercedes engines, won eight of seventeen races, clinching both drivers’ and constructors’ titles. That rapid turnaround inspired Cadillac’s August 2026 mid-season leadership change, appointing Marcin Budkowski under CEO Dan Towriss to accelerate podium goals for its racing program.

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Budkowski Takes Helm

Cadillac announced August 12, 2026 that Graeme Lowdon was replaced by Marcin Budkowski.
Budkowski, 49, led Alpine and held technical roles at Prost, Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA.
CEO Dan Towriss said the change shifts the team from build-up to performance as it sits 11th with zero points after 11 races.
Budkowski will debut at Zandvoort on August 21-23 with drivers Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to accelerate car development.

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