Source: Official Team Post via X
Marcin Budkowski: Steering Cadillac Into F1’s Future
Marcin Budkowski has taken the reins at Cadillac as the team gears up for its next F1 chapter. With a focus on building a winning culture, Budkowski shares his leadership philosophy and future plans.
Marcin Budkowski, the new team principal of Cadillac, stepped into the role this summer, succeeding Graeme Lowdon. With a career spanning multiple championship-winning teams and a stint as a pundit, Budkowski brings a wealth of experience to F1's newest team. As the team prepares for its home race in Austin, Budkowski opened up about his leadership style and the team's progress.
"It's been a whirlwind," Budkowski admitted, reflecting on his first few months at Cadillac. His appointment came as CEO Dan Towriss felt it was time for fresh leadership, with Budkowski eager to embrace the challenge. "I started the same day the team moved to the Silverstone facility," he noted, highlighting the sense of novelty and rapid development.
Cadillac's journey in F1 has been swift; they joined the grid in March 2025, leaving them less than a year to prepare for their debut. This rapid progress has come with its challenges, as Budkowski admits they've felt the consequences of some necessary shortcuts. "Listening and observing" were his initial priorities, ensuring he understood the team dynamics before making changes.
Budkowski sees Cadillac as a unique opportunity. "It's a fantastic opportunity because it's a new team still in its building phase," he explained. Backed by TWG Motorsports and General Motors, the team has ambitious goals tempered by a realistic understanding of F1's challenges.
As a leader, Budkowski emphasizes listening and action. "There's a time for discussion and a time for action," he stated, describing his direct yet open leadership approach. His media background, he believes, enhances his communication skills, crucial in both leadership and team building.
Budkowski's F1 debut was with Prost Grand Prix, followed by stints with Ferrari and McLaren, and a role with the FIA. These experiences equip him with insights into creating a winning culture at Cadillac. "There are no magic formulas," he said, "but there are principles that work well in the best teams."
Looking ahead, Budkowski is focused on progress both on and off the track. "There are no shortcuts in modern F1," he emphasized. His goal is to show tangible progress in track results and organizational maturity. "It's going to take time," he warned fans, urging patience as the team builds towards future success. Until then, Budkowski and Cadillac remain committed to pushing forward, driven by a shared ambition to reach the podium.