Key Takeaways:
– Former Marussia Sporting Director, Graeme Lowdon, named principal for Cadillac F1 team expected to kick off in 2026.
– Collaboration between General Motors and TWG Global aims to bring Cadillac to the grid as the 11th team.
– Though General Motors plans to develop its own power unit, it isn’t anticipated to be ready until 2028.
Subheading: Lowdon Takes Lead Position for Cadillac F1 Team
Graeme Lowdon has been named the team principal of Cadillac’s forthcoming Formula 1 team, with ambitions to join the race in 2026. This announcement follows less than two weeks after a key agreement. General Motors, Cadillac’s parent company, agreed in principle with F1 organizers and partner, TWG Global. The outcome? Cadillac nurtures hopes of joining the grid as the 11th team by 2026.
Subheading: Lowdon’s Journey in the World of Racing
No stranger to the racing world, Lowdon played a pivotal role in the creation of the British racing team, Manor’s F1 team. He witnessed the team’s evolution from Virgin Racing in 2010, then into Marussia, and finally Manor before its disbandment in 2017. During this period, Lowdon undertook various senior roles, prominently as the sporting director. This role put him in charge of all trackside operations.
Recently, Lowdon has been managing Zhou Guanyu, a current F1 driver racing for Sauber who will lose his spot next year. Graeme was instrumental in securing the Cadillac F1 team’s entry as an advisor. Other notable F1 personnel associated with this project include ex-Renault Technical Director Nick Chester and former Renault Operations Chief Rob White.
Subheading: High Praise for Lowdon
Lowdon’s appointment has been well received within the racing community. Mark Reuss, the president of GM, spoke highly of Lowdon, commending his racing expertise, leadership skills, and adherence to the team’s values. Reuss highlighted Lowdon’s knack for putting together a top-performing team, suggesting this was vital for their entry into the 2026 F1 grid.
Subheading: The Power Unit Dilemma and Solution
While GM has outlined plans to create their power unit, projections suggest it won’t be ready until 2028. This means that initially, the Cadillac team will need to buy a power unit from another supplier to race. Interestingly, with new power unit rules effective from 2026, the shift will be towards a turbocharged 1.6-liter V-6 hybrid setup. However, this comes with a cut to the gas engine’s power and a heightened reliance on the hybrid system.
Subheading: Exciting Times Ahead
Graeme Lowdon’s appointment comes at a momentous time for both him and the team. His rich history in racing, his success in forming and running teams, and his sheer passion for the sport put him in good stead to lead Cadillac F1. With the ambitious 2026 introduction in sight, all eyes are on the Cadillac F1 team as they gear up to make their mark on the racing grid.