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via Motorsport WeekNew Cadillac F1 boss to observe UK/US collaborations in ‘first priority’Marcin Budkowski has been named the new Team Principal for Cadillac's Formula 1 team, taking over from Graeme Lowdon. With a background in aerodynamics from prestigious teams, Budkowski is set to participate in his first race at the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of understanding the team's operations across its various locations in the UK and US.
Budkowski's initial focus will be on listening and observing to strengthen the connection between the trackside and factory teams. He recognizes the technical capabilities present in the US and aims to utilize these resources effectively as Cadillac navigates its early stages in Formula 1.
Mon 17 Aug · 11:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comRob Smedley reveals why he turned down F1 team principal rolesRob Smedley, a former race engineer for Ferrari and Williams, has recently declined offers for team principal roles in Formula 1. He articulated his reluctance during a podcast, citing the lack of control over the entire team as a significant factor in his decision. Smedley emphasized that being publicly accountable for a team's performance without having full authority over all aspects does not make sense to him.
During the discussion, Smedley highlighted the pressures associated with the role of a team principal, noting that while he is open to high-pressure positions, he believes that accountability should come with the ability to control all facets of the team. He expressed that it is unreasonable to be held responsible for outcomes when one only has influence over a portion of the team's operations.
Mon 17 Aug · 10:05 UTC
via RacingNews365Cadillac F1 Team Principal Focuses on UK/US CollaborationsMarcin Budkowski, the new Team Principal of Cadillac's Formula 1 team, has identified enhancing UK and US collaborations as his primary focus. This comes after the recent departure of former team member Graeme Lowdon.
Mon 17 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comOtmar Szafnauer Considers Formula 1 Return Under New ConditionsOtmar Szafnauer has expressed openness to a potential return to Formula 1. However, he indicated that any future role may differ from his previous position as a team principal.+ 1 moreMon 17 Aug · 09:39 UTC
via gpfans.comF1 team boss reveals brutal nature of high-profile sackingGraeme Lowdon was unexpectedly dismissed from his role as Cadillac's team principal, highlighting the harsh realities of Formula 1. Cadillac is struggling in its rookie season, currently sitting at the bottom of the Constructors' standings without any points, prompting CEO Dan Towriss to make a swift leadership change to Marcin Budkowski. Towriss acknowledged that the transition was earlier than anticipated and explained the necessity of a decisive approach to avoid destabilizing the team further.
The abrupt nature of Lowdon's firing raised eyebrows, as many expected a more gradual transition. Towriss emphasized the importance of having a clear vision for the team's future and the urgency of making impactful decisions in a competitive environment like F1. Budkowski now faces the challenge of revitalizing Cadillac's presence in the sport.
Mon 17 Aug · 07:15 UTC
via f1oversteer.comF2 driver linked with Cadillac seat now admits 2027 F1 move is not ‘realistic’Colton Herta, currently competing in Formula 2 and serving as a reserve driver for Cadillac, has been linked to a potential seat with the team for the 2027 Formula 1 season. However, Herta has admitted that he has not received any concrete information regarding this move and considers it not realistic at this time. He remains focused on his long-term goal of reaching F1 as quickly as possible.
Herta recently had the opportunity to drive Cadillac's F1 car, which he found to be a challenging yet confidence-boosting experience. Cadillac is also evaluating other drivers, including Rafael Camara, for future seats, but may end up retaining current drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez for the upcoming season. Herta's aspirations and experiences highlight the competitive nature of driver placements in Formula 1.
Mon 17 Aug · 07:00 UTC
via grandprix.comCadillac suddenly axes Lowdon, Budkowski takes overCadillac has made a surprising decision to replace Graeme Lowdon with Marcin Budkowski as team principal during the summer break. CEO Dan Towriss took full responsibility for the change, clarifying that it was not a mutual decision and highlighting the necessity for confidentiality in such appointments within Formula 1. Budkowski, who has a history in the sport, expressed enthusiasm for leading a project he believes in, supported by significant resources from General Motors and TWG Group.
The management shift has raised speculation about further changes within Cadillac's leadership. Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, indicated that this might be just the beginning of a series of adjustments as the team seeks to enhance its competitive edge in the sport. The abrupt nature of the transition reflects the high-stakes environment of Formula 1, where strategic decisions are often made swiftly and with little public notice.
via f1oversteer.comFormer F1 Team Principal Shares Unique Approach to Netflix MicrophonesOtmar Szafnauer, a former Formula 1 team principal, disclosed his unconventional method for alerting staff about his microphone during filming for Netflix's Drive to Survive. He aimed to manage the information shared during tense race weekends.+ 2 moreSun 16 Aug · 16:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Guenther Steiner Questions Valtteri Bottas's Commitment at CadillacGuenther Steiner has expressed concerns regarding Valtteri Bottas's motivation in his role at Cadillac. He suggested that Bottas appears to have 'given up a little bit' during a challenging season.
+ 2 moreSun 16 Aug · 14:20 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFlavio Briatore’s latest decision will be ‘very painful’ for Alpine in the futureFlavio Briatore has returned to Alpine with the goal of revitalizing the team, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. He has made immediate changes, including replacing Jack Doohan with Franco Colapinto, and has publicly stated that Alpine will not pursue high-profile engineers, focusing instead on building a strong technical foundation with a collaborative team approach. Briatore believes that consistency and improvement across all areas are essential for the team's success.
Despite his intentions, Briatore's decision to avoid high-profile talent may hinder Alpine's ability to attract the best engineers, especially given the team's current standing in Formula 1. He draws parallels between Alpine's situation and that of Aston Martin, which has not seen success despite its elite technical staff. Briatore acknowledges the need for a cultural shift within the team and emphasizes that rebuilding will take time, but he remains committed to fostering a new generation of technical talent.Sun 16 Aug · 09:30 UTC
via the-race.comAlpine's about to face most critical test yet of new eraThe Alpine Formula 1 team began the 2026 season with ambitions to challenge the leading teams but has since fallen into the midfield, highlighted by a disappointing performance in Hungary where they finished seventh. Pierre Gasly pointed out that the team is struggling to keep pace with competitors, particularly Racing Bulls and Audi, who have made more significant advancements in their car development. Alpine's recent performance has raised concerns about their competitiveness, especially as they have been overtaken in the constructors' championship standings.
Looking ahead, Alpine is preparing to introduce a crucial upgrade package at the Dutch Grand Prix, which they hope will help them regain lost ground. Gasly remains optimistic about the potential improvements, emphasizing the importance of these upgrades for the team's aspirations this season. Despite the challenges, there is still a belief within the team that they can turn their fortunes around, especially with the backing of a Mercedes engine, which was expected to provide a competitive edge.
Sun 16 Aug · 08:42 UTC
via RacingNews365Flavio Briatore dismisses 'monster high-profile' involvement in Alpine F1 rebuildFlavio Briatore has taken a significant role in the restructuring of Alpine F1, becoming the de facto team principal after a series of leadership changes. He has emphasized the importance of building a strong technical team without relying on high-profile figures, instead focusing on consistency and improvement within the existing structure. Under his guidance, the team has made notable changes, including switching to Mercedes engines and achieving competitive results in the constructors' standings.
Briatore highlighted the achievements of drivers Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, who have contributed to the team's success this season. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the transition, including workforce reductions, but remains optimistic about the future. Briatore believes that with time and the right approach, Alpine can enhance its technical capabilities and achieve better results in Formula 1.Sat 15 Aug · 16:45 UTC
via f1technical.net"Every day is a school day," claims Lowdon as he reflects on Cadillac's maiden F1 seasonCadillac's inaugural Formula 1 season in 2026 has been marked by challenges, particularly with reliability issues that led to a double retirement at the Austrian Grand Prix. However, the team has shown improvement, successfully finishing both cars in the Sprint and Grand Prix at Silverstone, which provided a morale boost for the organization. Team principal Graeme Lowdon reflects on the importance of operational execution and long-term development rather than just championship standings to measure success for a new team in the sport.
Lowdon acknowledges the difficulties of entering Formula 1 and emphasizes the need for patience and continuous learning. He highlights the contributions of drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, noting their roles extend beyond just driving the car. Both drivers are integral to the team's development, and Lowdon expresses confidence in their ability to help drive Cadillac forward in the competitive environment of Formula 1.
Sat 15 Aug · 14:00 UTC
via PlanetF1Cadillac F1 Team Principal Focuses on Ferrari Power Unit InsightsMarcin Budkowski, the new Team Principal of Cadillac F1, aims to explore the performance-enhancing techniques used by Ferrari. He acknowledges that gaining access to these insights may be challenging, as suppliers may not disclose all their methods.+ 1 moreSat 15 Aug · 13:13 UTC
via f1oversteer.comFranco Colapinto admits he ‘didn’t understand’ the big problem his Alpine data revealedFranco Colapinto has expressed confusion over his performance issues at the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, where he struggled to understand why he was consistently losing time compared to his teammate Pierre Gasly. After Alpine introduced a lighter chassis in Miami, Colapinto's performance improved significantly, allowing him to achieve his best finishes of P7 and P6 in subsequent races.
Despite his early struggles, Colapinto has shown progress, reducing his qualifying deficit to Gasly and even outperforming him in some Sprint Qualifying sessions. The changes made by Alpine have been pivotal in transforming his performance, leading to a more competitive standing within the team as the season progresses.Sat 15 Aug · 12:00 UTC
via Motorsport WeekCadillac unveil V-Series.R based road conceptCadillac has introduced the V-ONE Hypercar concept, which is based on the successful V-Series.R race car. This new concept aims to translate race-winning technology into a driver-focused experience, showcasing Cadillac's commitment to performance and innovation in the automotive industry. The V-ONE is equipped with a powerful hybrid V-8 engine and incorporates advanced race-derived features, making it a significant addition to Cadillac's lineup.
The V-ONE emphasizes ease of operation while maintaining high performance levels. It will be showcased at a prestigious motorsports event in 2026, although it is not intended for sale. This concept reflects Cadillac's ongoing efforts to enhance its brand through competitive engineering and design, reinforcing its legacy in motorsport.Sat 15 Aug · 08:51 UTC
via RacingNews365Cadillac F1 hopeful details 'eye-opening' experienceColton Herta, an American driver, is currently navigating his first season in Formula 2 with Hitech while aiming for a potential Formula 1 seat in 2027. His transition from IndyCar has been challenging, as he sits 16th in the F2 standings with 26 points, lacking wins or podium finishes. Herta has highlighted the difficulties of adapting to Pirelli tyres, particularly in managing them without the aid of tyre blankets, which he believes will ultimately prepare him better for F1 racing.
As part of his development, Herta is also involved in Cadillac's F1 program, which includes simulator work and participation in FP1 sessions. He describes his experience in F2 as 'eye-opening,' acknowledging both the challenges and learning opportunities it presents. Herta's focus on mastering tyre management in F2 is seen as a crucial skill that will ease his transition to the more competitive environment of Formula 1.Fri 14 Aug · 17:10 UTC
via PlanetF1Rafael Camara Addresses 2027 F1 Seat Speculations Amid Cadillac RumorsRafael Camara, a standout in Formula 2, is the subject of speculation regarding a potential seat in Formula 1 for 2027. While Cadillac's team CEO has dismissed rumors linking Camara to their team, the driver himself is focused on his current racing commitments.+ 1 moreFri 14 Aug · 14:17 UTC
via thejudge13.comIs Cadillac Heading for F1’s Biggest Corporate Blunder Since Jaguar?Cadillac has made a significant leadership change by firing team principal Graham Lowden and appointing Marcin Budkowski, who has a strong background in successful racing teams. This decision raises questions about the initial choice to hire Lowden and the overall direction of the team, especially as reports indicate unrest within the organization and a potential relocation ultimatum for UK employees to move to Indiana. The corporate approach taken by Cadillac mirrors past failures in F1, particularly the mismanagement seen during Ford's ownership of Jaguar F1.
The article highlights the challenges Cadillac faces in establishing a stable and effective team structure, especially given the unique demands of Formula 1. With Budkowski's appointment, there is hope for improvement, but concerns remain about the team's performance and the potential for further instability. The situation reflects a broader issue in F1 where corporate decisions can clash with the realities of the sport, emphasizing the need for experienced leadership and a cohesive team environment.
Fri 14 Aug · 12:47 UTC
via Motorsport.comWhat exactly was behind Franco Colapinto's Miami breakthrough at Alpine?Franco Colapinto's performance in Formula 1 improved significantly after the Miami Grand Prix, where he received a new lighter chassis. Prior to this, he struggled to match the pace of his teammate Pierre Gasly, despite feeling comfortable in the car. The switch to two chassis after winter testing contributed to his initial difficulties, but the team worked on data analysis and energy management during the April break, leading to better results in subsequent races.
Colapinto's recent success includes five points finishes and consistently finishing ahead of Gasly. The team is optimistic about an upcoming upgrade package at Zandvoort, which they hope will enhance their competitiveness against rival teams. Overall, Colapinto's breakthrough is seen as a combination of technical adjustments and improved understanding of the car's performance.Fri 14 Aug · 10:48 UTCPage 7 of 10