Former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski has been appointed as the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team Principal, replacing Graeme Lowdon as the American squad transitions into the next phase of its inaugural F1 campaign.
The 49-year-old Polish engineer brings a quarter-century of top-level motorsport experience to the grid’s newest entry, having held high-profile roles across elite constructors, the FIA, and broadcast media.
Here is everything you need to know about Cadillac’s new team boss and his path to the helm in Indianapolis and Silverstone.
Engineering pedigree: From Paris to championship glory
Born in Warsaw in 1977, Budkowski moved to Paris as a child and completed his early education in France.
He graduated as an engineer from the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique in 1999 before completing postgraduate specialisations in aeronautics and aerodynamics at ISAE-Supaero and Imperial College London.
His Formula 1 journey began in 2001 as an aerodynamicist for Prost GP. Following the team’s demise, he was recruited by Ferrari in 2002 in a similar role.
Two years into a five-year stint in Maranello, Budkowski became the leader of an aerodynamics team, and in his final year, was an integral figure in the development of the F2007, which took Kimi Raikkonen to the World Championship.
In 2007, he switched to McLaren, taking on a range of trackside and factory-based aerodynamic duties, immediately becoming part of another title-winning squad, as Lewis Hamilton took the title in his first year.
Starting as a Senior Aerodynamicist, Budkowski’s roles in McLaren led to becoming Head of Aerodynamics in 2012.
Team Enstone leadership
After leaving Woking in 2014, Budkowski joined the sport’s governing body, serving as the FIA’s Technical and Sporting Coordinator.
Working alongside Race Director Charlie Whiting under Jean Todt’s presidency, he took on broader responsibilities shaping the future ruleset before being named Head of the FIA Formula 1 Technical Department in 2017.
His high-profile return to team land came late in 2017 when he was appointed Executive Director of the Renault F1 Team.
As the squad rebranded to Alpine F1 Team, he took on directorial duties and effectively led the unit as Team Principal throughout the 2021 season before stepping down in early 2022.
Since then, Budkowski has remained a key paddock voice, acting as an F1 technical analyst for Polish broadcaster Viaplay, consulting on international motorsport initiatives, and managing emerging young drivers aiming for the top tier.
Directing a mid-season evolution at Cadillac
Budkowski’s arrival at Cadillac marks a planned structural transition for the team following its initial setup phase.
Replacing Graeme Lowdon with immediate effect, he assumes full operational command trackside starting at the Dutch GP.
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss noted that Budkowski’s blend of engineering depth and operational leadership will be pivotal in building a winning culture as the team targets long-term competitiveness.
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