Marcin Budkowski has revealed that he held discussions with more than half of the Formula 1 grid before accepting the role of team principal at Cadillac. The former Alpine sporting director was announced as the replacement for Graeme Lowdon on Wednesday, a surprise move during the summer shutdown of the American squad’s debut season.
Budkowski, who has extensive experience in F1 having worked at the FIA and later at Alpine, explained that his decision to join Cadillac was not made lightly. Speaking to media, he confirmed that he had been in contact with several teams across the pit lane before committing to the project.
A Deliberate Choice
“I spoke to more than half of the grid,” Budkowski said. “But Cadillac offered something unique – a chance to build a team from the ground up and shape its future. That’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along often in this sport.”
The 56-year-old Polish-born engineer has a reputation for his technical acumen and strategic thinking. His previous roles include overseeing engine regulations at the FIA and later serving as executive director at Alpine, where he played a key part in the team’s midfield battles.
Cadillac currently sits at the bottom of the constructors’ championship in their first season back in F1 after a long absence. The team, which is a joint effort between General Motors and Andretti Global, has struggled for pace but has shown flashes of potential.
Lowdon’s Departure
The decision to replace Lowdon came as a shock to many in the paddock. Lowdon had been instrumental in bringing the Cadillac project to life, navigating the political landscape to secure an entry. However, Budkowski’s appointment signals a new direction as the team looks to accelerate its development.
Budkowski acknowledged the work done by Lowdon but stressed the need for fresh leadership. “Graeme did a fantastic job getting us to the grid. But now we need to focus on performance, and that requires a different approach,” he said.
Building for the Future
Cadillac’s long-term ambitions are clear: to become a competitive force in F1. With a new engine partnership with Ferrari from 2027, the team is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. Budkowski believes his experience in both technical and sporting matters will be crucial.
“I’ve been involved in every aspect of F1 – from regulations to race operations. That breadth of knowledge is what Cadillac needs right now,” he added.
The team has already begun restructuring its technical department, with several key hires expected in the coming months. Budkowski hinted that more changes are on the way, particularly in areas like aerodynamics and race strategy.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, Budkowski is realistic about the challenges ahead. Cadillac’s current car is off the pace, and the team will need to make significant strides to close the gap to the midfield. The summer break has provided an opportunity to reassess and recalibrate.
“We’re not going to turn things around overnight,” he said. “But we have a clear plan and the resources to execute it. The goal is to be consistently fighting for points by the end of the season.”
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions in the paddock. Some question the timing of the change, while others see it as a bold move to inject new energy into the team. Budkowski, however, is confident in his ability to lead.
A Season of Transition
For Cadillac, 2026 is a season of transition. The team is already looking ahead to 2027, when new regulations will come into play. Budkowski’s appointment is part of a broader strategy to position the team for that pivotal moment.
“We have to use this season as a learning opportunity,” he explained. “Every race is a chance to gather data and improve. That’s how we’ll build a solid foundation.”
The Formula 1 world will be watching closely to see how Budkowski and Cadillac fare in the second half of the season. With his vast experience and a clear vision, the team may just be on the path to a brighter future.
