Cadillac Sets Sights on F1 Glory with Experienced Lowdon at the Helm
The world of Formula 1 is abuzz with whispers of a new challenger, Cadillac, set to storm the grid in 2026. Spearheading this ambitious venture is none other than Graeme Lowdon, a veteran of the sport with extensive experience, appointed as the team principal.
“I’m truly honored to be appointed as the team principal of this exciting new team and I would like to thank everyone involved for placing their trust in me,” said the 59-year-old Lowdon. His passion for the sport is palpable.
Having cut his teeth in the high-stakes world of F1 at Manor’s team before its unfortunate demise in 2016, Lowdon brings a wealth of knowledge to the nascent Cadillac team. His previous role as sporting director for Manor, then known as Virgin Racing when it entered the championship in 2010, underscores his deep understanding of the complexities and fierce competitiveness of Formula 1.
Driven by a belief in Formula 1 as the “greatest team sport in the world,” Lowdon emphasizes the importance of strong, unified teams dedicated to achieving excellence. “This is a team with a real love for, and desire to go, racing, and we have the experience and expertise to do just that. Racing is at the very heart of everything that we do. This is what I want to see in a team, and I really want to be part of it,” he affirms.
Cadillac’s entry into the pinnacle of motorsport was met with initial resistance from F1’s commercial rights holder before being ultimately greenlit by both Formula One Management and the FIA in October last year, paving the way for their 2026 debut.
With just over a year until they take their position on the starting grid, Lowdon acknowledges the magnitude of the task at hand. “I don’t underestimate the task ahead and I have the utmost respect for the competition,” he says. “I look forward to the challenge of racing. In the meantime, our work continues at pace.”
Lowdon has been instrumental in overseeing the nascent team’s initial developments, focusing on crucial areas such as chassis design, aerodynamics, and meticulous simulations. Their efforts are spread across four bases strategically located: three within the USA and another at the historic Silverstone circuit in the UK.
General Motors president Mark Reuss voiced his confidence in Lowdon’s leadership, stating, “He has great racing expertise, he knows how to assemble a high-performing team and he embodies the values the Cadillac Formula 1 Team will represent in all its endeavors, on or off the track.”
What are Graeme Lowdon’s immediate goals for the Cadillac F1 team?
## Cadillac’s F1 Ambitions: An Interview with Graeme Lowdon
**Interviewer:** Welcome Graeme, and congratulations on your appointment as team principal for the new Cadillac F1 team! This definitely seems like a thrilling opportunity.
**Graeme Lowdon:** Thank you! I’m incredibly excited to be part of this project. It’s a huge challenge, but one I’m genuinely thrilled to take on. [Referencing previous experience from Manor Racing] My time at Manor taught me a great deal about the demands and intricacies of Formula 1.
**Interviewer:** Speak to us about this challenge. Cadillac is entering a very competitive landscape. What are your immediate goals for the team?
**Graeme Lowdon:** Firstly, we need to build a strong foundation. This means attracting top talent, both on the engineering side and in the driver lineup. We need to build a culture of excellence and innovation. And of course, we need to develop a competitive car. Remember [[1](https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/11/cadillac-f1-will-be-able-to-race-from-2026-despite-previous-snub/)], Cadillac will be using Ferrari engines initially, transitioning to their own power unit in 2028. This gives us a great starting point.
**Interviewer:** 2026 is just around the corner. How are you approaching the build-up to your debut season?
** Graeme Lowdon:** It’s a tight timeframe, but we’re already making good progress. We’re assembling a talented team and we’re working closely with our partners, including Ferrari, to ensure we have everything we need to hit the ground running.
**Interviewer:** What message do you have for the F1 fans who are eager to see Cadillac on the grid?
**Graeme Lowdon:** Be prepared for passion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of success. We’re coming into Formula 1 to compete at the highest level, and we’re not here to simply make up the numbers. Cadillac has a strong heritage of innovation and performance, and we’re determined to bring that to the world of F1.
