Cadillac Formula 1 Team Principal Marcin Budkowski has declared that the team will not be content until a Grand Prix podium finish is secured. His comments come as the American outfit prepares for its home United States Grand Prix this weekend in Austin, Texas.
Budkowski assumed the role of Team Principal in August 2026, taking over from Graeme Lowdon in what was described as a planned leadership transition. He inherited a team in its debut Formula 1 season, which he characterised as a challenging operational environment.
Cadillac received final approval to join the Formula 1 grid in March 2025, making their debut in the 2026 season as the sport’s 11th team. The team currently occupies 11th position in the Constructors’ Championship, having yet to score points.
The team’s performance has been hindered by car issues for drivers Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, alongside execution problems during race weekends. Bottas’s best finish this season is 13th at the Chinese Grand Prix. Perez initially secured a 10th-place finish in Monaco but was later penalised to 15th.
Budkowski brings extensive experience to Cadillac, having held senior roles at Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, and Alpine. His career also includes significant technical and sporting responsibilities at the FIA, where he served as Head of the Formula 1 Technical Department and contributed to the introduction of the Halo safety device.
Cadillac operates with multiple facilities, including a primary British base in Silverstone, adjacent to the circuit. This facility is responsible for the design and construction of their race cars. Valtteri Bottas has reportedly praised the Silverstone factory, stating it is superior to those he experienced at Mercedes.
The team also maintains operations in the United States, with headquarters in Fishers, Indiana, and an engine department located in Concord, North Carolina. Cadillac utilises Ferrari power units for the 2026 season, with General Motors slated to introduce its own power unit from 2029.
Cadillac is financially supported by TWG Motorsports and General Motors. TWG Global, the owner of TWG Motorsports, recently confirmed that the Cadillac team is not for sale, addressing speculation related to a US federal investigation into billionaire Mark Walter’s business interests.
Budkowski acknowledges that achieving success in Formula 1 requires patience and hard work, emphasising the importance of avoiding detrimental decisions. He aims to build a distinct team culture rather than imitating established rivals.
The team’s long-term objective is to develop an organisation capable of competing for podiums, race victories, and championships. However, Budkowski concedes that challenging the sport’s established hierarchy remains a distant goal for the present.
“Until we stand on that podium, we are not happy with ourselves and we want to continue pushing.”
The upcoming United States Grand Prix, scheduled from October 23-25, 2026, at the Circuit of The Americas, represents another step in Cadillac’s development. The immediate focus remains on building a credible midfield contender and establishing foundational elements for future success.
