Cadillac have announced a change of team principal just halfway through their debut season on the Formula 1 grid. Graeme Lowdon was the man chosen to head up the team, building it from scratch and overseeing preparations for their F1 debut before guiding them through the opening 11 rounds of their maiden campaign.
However, his time in charge has come to a sudden end. In an unexpected announcement on Wednesday, Cadillac described the move as a "planned leadership transition as the organization evolves from its initial build phase into the next stage of racing performance".
Budkowski takes over with immediate effect
Lowdon has been succeeded by former Alpine boss Marcin Budkowski, who takes up the role of team principal with immediate effect.
Cadillac F1 team chief executive Dan Towriss said: "Marcin's appointment marks another important step in the continued evolution of the Cadillac Formula 1 Team. 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."
"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. His contributions helped establish a strong foundation in our build-up phase, and we thank him for his commitment and wish him well."
Cadillac still winless in debut season
Cadillac are yet to get off the mark this season, languishing at the very foot of the constructors' standings. That said, it is hardly a shocking state of affairs, given the team has been built from scratch ahead of this campaign and are up against outfits with considerably greater experience of competing at F1 level.
They will now push ahead with Budkowski leading the charge. Much like Lowdon, the Pole is a seasoned figure within F1 circles, having previously held senior positions at the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and the FIA.
He served as executive director at Renault throughout the team's rebrand to Alpine and, following his departure from the Enstone-based squad, has been working as a pundit on Polish television.
Budkowski sets out his vision
Budkowski said: "Cadillac Formula 1 Team has an extraordinary foundation and ambition. 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."
