Sergio Perez has stated Cadillac must ‘rethink all our processes’ after the team fell to the back of the Formula 1 order during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The Mexican driver expressed a desire for more from Cadillac’s upgrades this season.
Cadillac, in its inaugural 2026 Formula 1 season, has yet to score a point and currently sits last in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s best finish to date is a 13th place by Valtteri Bottas in China.
The General Motors-owned outfit has faced persistent ‘teething issues’, including repeated brake fires and a distinct lack of pace. Both Perez and Bottas have recorded multiple retirements due to overheating problems, notably in Austria and Hungary.
In a significant leadership change, Cadillac announced Marcin Budkowski as its new Team Principal on August 12, 2026. Budkowski replaces Graeme Lowdon, who had been instrumental in forming the team.
Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss described the move as a ‘planned leadership transition’ for the team’s next stage of racing performance. However, Towriss confirmed the decision to replace Lowdon was his alone, not a mutual agreement.
Budkowski brings over two decades of F1 experience, having held senior roles with Prost, Ferrari, McLaren, the FIA, and Alpine. He aims to instill a ‘winning mindset’ and focus on maximising car development within the cost cap.
The new Team Principal has identified resolving mechanical reliability, particularly the recurring brake issues, as an urgent priority. He noted that most aerodynamic upgrades introduced so far have correlated well with simulation tools.
Cadillac has brought several upgrade packages throughout the season, including a major aerodynamic update in Miami and a significant package with new sidepods and a revised floor for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Perez has been a key figure in pushing the team behind the scenes for development, leading teammate Valtteri Bottas 9-5 in qualifying head-to-heads. Cadillac leadership has dismissed rumours linking Perez with other teams.
Budkowski’s immediate focus will be on aligning the team’s people, tools, and information flow to ensure rapid decision-making and continuous car performance improvement. The team prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend.
