F1 team principal sacked with immediate effect as replacement named before Dutch GP

F1 team Cadillac have made the shock decision to sack team principal Graeme Lowdon ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, with the Brit’s replacement also announced.

The Silverstone-based team announced the surprise decision via social media on Wednesday (August 12) afternoon.

Lowdon began working as team principal in December 2024 and had a hand in recruiting drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas.

In a statement, Cadillac Formula 1 Team CEO Dan Towriss thanked Lowdon for his efforts.

“We’re grateful to Graeme Lowdon for his leadership and the role he played in forming the Cadillac Formula 1 Team from the ground up,” Towriss said. “His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well.”

In the same statement, Cadillac announced Marcin Budkowski would replace Lowdon with immediate effect, with the Pole boasting more than 20 years’ experience in the sport.

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The decision is said to be part of a “planned leadership transition”. The 49-year-old will start work straight away, with his first race in charge being the Dutch Grand Prix when the season resumes on August 21-23 following the summer break.

“Marcin's appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team,” Towriss added. “From the beginning, our goal has not been simply to participate in Formula 1, but to build a next-generation team capable of competing at the very front. As we enter this new era for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team, Marcin brings exceptional F1 experience, technical expertise and strategic leadership that will strengthen our organization and help us develop the winning mindset, tools and processes required for long-term success.”

Budkowski explains Cadillac appointment

Budkowski has previously worked in senior positions for Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA and Renault/Alpine, helping the latter’s transition into the Alpine F1 era.

“Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition,” Budkowski said.

“This is a phase of huge opportunity for the team, one that will be defined by a clear objective: maximizing car development within the cost cap and turning every team function on to compete. That means building an elite organization with a winning mindset – driven, relentless in the face of setbacks, obsessed with detail and process, and able to execute with precision on race day. My focus will be on aligning our people, tools and information flow so the right decisions are made quickly, and the performance of the car improves every time we go racing. It is a privilege to be leading Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s on-track efforts, starting in Zandvoort next weekend.”

Cadillac are the only team without points on the board after 11 races.