Cadillac F1: Why Lowdon Was Sacked, New Boss Revealed

Cadillac Formula 1 CEO Dan Towriss has finally broken his silence over the shock sacking of team principal Graeme Lowdon, who has been replaced with immediate effect by former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski. The bombshell dropped just 11 races into the team's rookie campaign.

Lowdon was instrumental in securing Cadillac's F1 entry and had worked alongside Towriss for four years to make it happen. But with the season barely half over, the 61-year-old has been cast aside. Towriss insists the call was his alone, not a mutual decision.

"It was my decision; it wasn't a mutual decision," Towriss told assembled media. "The process started a few months ago, thinking about what the next phase for Cadillac F1 looks like, the right timing, and how it would look. We were delighted with the conversation with Marcin and how that relationship evolved."

Read AlsoCadillac Confirms Lowdon's Shock Exit Wasn't a Mutual Decision

Tellingly, Towriss revealed he only spoke to Lowdon on the morning of the announcement, acknowledging the abrupt nature. "There's no easy way to make this transition within Formula 1," he said. "Can you imagine the press if Marcin's strolling through for a tour of the factory or we're having these conversations? It becomes destabilising at that point."

While Towriss denied that performance or teething issues were the trigger, he stressed a clear vision for the future. "I wouldn't say it's the performance... it's really about having a clear vision on what we're building, the rate of progress, and making sure that matches the ambitions of ownership." He also pushed back on the idea that Lowdon was ever seen as an interim boss.

The secrecy of the switch raised eyebrows, as paddock gossip usually leaks such moves well in advance. Lowdon himself gave no hints in recent media briefings. Towriss kept details of their private conversations close to his chest, only expressing immense respect for what they achieved together over four years of planning and building.

Now, with Budkowski at the helm, Cadillac enters a new chapter. The question is whether the American squad can finally deliver the progress its owners expect. The season is far from over, and all eyes will be on how the new team principal steers the ship.