Cadillac F1 Team Replaces Team Boss Lowdon Amid Difficult Debut Season

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has announced a significant midseason change, parting ways with team boss Graeme Lowdon and appointing former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski. The team, which is in its debut season, currently sits last in the constructors' standings.

Cadillac Formula 1 Team CEO Dan Towriss stated that Budkowski's appointment is a crucial step in the team's ongoing development. "Marcin's appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team," Towriss said in a statement. "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."

Lowdon, who was instrumental in building the team from the ground up, led Cadillac through its first 11 race weekends. "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 added. "His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well."

Despite the challenges of its inaugural season, the team expressed optimism about its prospects. Cadillac has faced reliability issues, with both its drivers experiencing four retirements each through the first eleven Grand Prix. This situation has impacted their performance, with both cars failing to finish races such as the Austrian and Hungarian Grands Prix.

The team is currently focused on improving its position in the constructors' standings, aiming to move ahead of Aston Martin. Cadillac needs just two points to surpass Aston Martin for 10th place. However, Aston Martin has shown recent improvements following upgrades introduced before the Formula 1 summer break.

Budkowski's extensive experience in Formula 1 is expected to provide the team with the strategic and technical leadership needed to address its current performance issues. The team hopes this change will lead to a stronger showing when the season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23.