Cadillac’s new Formula 1 team principal Marcin Budkowski has outlined his vision for transforming the American outfit into a competitive force, warning that there are no shortcuts to success in modern F1. Following a difficult debut season in 2026, the Polish engineer is determined to build a stronger organisation capable of progressing towards the midfield before eventually challenging for podiums, victories and world championships.
Having replaced Graeme Lowdon during the summer, Marcin Budkowski has taken charge at an important stage in Cadillac’s development. The team is still working to consolidate its structure after entering Formula 1, and its new leader believes that patience, hard work and a clear organisational direction will be essential to achieving its ambitions.
Marcin Budkowski outlines his first priorities at Cadillac F1
Marcin Budkowski has been impressed by the progress Cadillac has already made, particularly considering the limited time available to establish the operation before its Formula 1 debut. However, he also recognises the challenges created by having to build such an ambitious project at speed.
Rather than immediately introducing sweeping changes, the new team principal believes the first step is to develop a thorough understanding of the organisation and the people working within it.
“The most logical thing to do is first to properly understand the situation before making changes or taking any action,” Marcin Budkowski explained.
That approach places considerable importance on listening to team members, gathering different opinions and understanding the existing processes before deciding which areas need attention.
Once a decision has been made, however, Marcin Budkowski expects everyone involved to commit fully to implementing it.
“From the moment we make a decision and decide to move forward with it, I expect everyone to give their maximum effort.”
Trust and transparency are therefore central elements of his leadership philosophy. Marcin Budkowski wants to create a cohesive organisation in which people can express their views openly, but where discussions ultimately lead to clear decisions and decisive action.
“There is a time to discuss and a time to act,” he reiterated.
Establishing that shared culture is one of the main priorities of his tenure. For a relatively new team still developing its internal structures, building effective relationships and ensuring everyone works towards the same objectives will be particularly important.
Cadillac F1 must build its own identity rather than copy rival teams
Marcin Budkowski brings extensive Formula 1 experience to Cadillac, having previously worked with Ferrari, McLaren and Renault, as well as the FIA. That background gives him an understanding of different technical organisations and the methods used by established teams.
However, the Cadillac team principal does not believe there is a universal model that can simply be copied to guarantee success. Instead, the American outfit must develop an identity of its own, learning from successful competitors while recognising the particular characteristics of its organisation.
“It’s not about reinventing the wheel. There are certain principles that work quite well and are evident in other teams,” he explained.
For Marcin Budkowski, the culture of a Formula 1 team is ultimately shaped by its people and the way they work together. Successful practices can provide a useful starting point, but they must be adapted to the individuals and circumstances within Cadillac.
That philosophy also reflects the challenge facing a new entrant in a championship where established competitors have spent years refining their technical operations, organisational structures and working methods.
Marcin Budkowski warns there are no shortcuts to Formula 1 success
Despite Cadillac’s ambitions, Marcin Budkowski is realistic about how long it could take for the team to become a consistent contender. Progress in Formula 1 is rarely straightforward, and he expects the journey towards the front of the grid to include significant challenges.
“There are no shortcuts in modern F1. There is only a lot of hard work,” Marcin Budkowski said.
His priorities include improving on-track performance, strengthening Cadillac’s organisational structure and increasing operational efficiency. Each of these areas will contribute to the team’s ability to compete more effectively against established Formula 1 rivals.
The immediate objective is to move progressively towards the midfield and become capable of fighting more consistently with the teams already established there.
Only after building that competitive foundation does Cadillac intend to pursue more ambitious targets, including podium finishes, Grand Prix victories and, eventually, world championships.
Marcin Budkowski understands that supporters may be eager to see rapid progress, but he believes expectations must reflect the scale of the task.
“It will take time. It will require some patience from our fans,” he acknowledged.
Cadillac targets F1 podiums, victories and championships in the long term
Although Marcin Budkowski is calling for patience, there is no shortage of determination within Cadillac. The team principal has made it clear that simply participating in Formula 1 is not enough to satisfy the organisation’s long-term ambitions.
“Until we stand on that podium, we won’t be satisfied with ourselves, and we want to keep pushing ourselves further.”
Those words underline the energy and ambition Marcin Budkowski intends to bring to Cadillac as the team continues to establish itself in Formula 1.
In such a competitive championship, reaching the podium is a demanding objective even for experienced midfield teams. For an organisation that has only recently joined the grid, the challenge is greater still, requiring improvements across virtually every aspect of its operation.
Cadillac’s long-term success will therefore depend not only on developing a faster car, but also on creating the structures, processes and working culture needed to sustain its progress.
Marcin Budkowski’s message is clear: the team has ambitious goals, but achieving them will require time, patience and sustained hard work. With a stronger foundation and a united organisation, Cadillac hopes to move step by step towards becoming a competitive Formula 1 team capable of fighting at the front.
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