Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas have welcomed the arrival of Marcin Budkowski as Cadillac prepares for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The Sprint weekend will mark Marcin Budkowski’s first race in charge of the American team, with Valtteri Bottas expecting the new team principal to bring a fresh approach to its trackside operations.
Formula 1 resumes after the summer break this weekend at Zandvoort, where Cadillac will introduce an important change at the top of the team. Marcin Budkowski will take control of the pit wall for the first time following the unexpected dismissal of Graeme Lowdon, whose departure came after CEO Dan Towriss decided that Cadillac’s performance had not been sufficient.
The leadership change places immediate attention on Marcin Budkowski’s initial priorities at Cadillac. The Polish team principal intends to begin by observing the organisation closely, listening to its staff and assessing the working methods used both at the factory and at the circuit.
Cadillac faces demanding Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort
The Dutch Grand Prix, which is making its final scheduled appearance on the Formula 1 calendar, will provide a demanding first test for Cadillac’s new team principal. Zandvoort is a narrow and twisting circuit, while the possibility of rain on Friday and Saturday could further complicate the Sprint weekend.
The experience of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas will therefore be especially important. With only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, Cadillac will have limited time to establish an effective set-up and adapt to any changing weather conditions during the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Sergio Perez eager to begin work with Marcin Budkowski
Sergio Perez welcomed the opportunity to return to competition after the summer break and expressed his enthusiasm about beginning work with Marcin Budkowski.
“After an intense first half of the season, it is good that everyone gets some downtime in August, but it also feels great to be back at a racing circuit,” Sergio Perez said. “The second half of this season presents a new range of challenges but also hopefully some great opportunities, and I can’t wait to get started. I am looking forward to getting up to speed quickly with Marcin and the rest of the team.”
Valtteri Bottas expects a fresh approach at Cadillac
Valtteri Bottas also highlighted the challenge created by the Sprint format, which will require Cadillac to perform effectively from the opening laps of Friday’s sole practice session.
“It’s great to be returning to racing after a rejuvenating summer break,” Valtteri Bottas said. “The Dutch Grand Prix is going to be an interesting test, with the Sprint weekend format requiring everyone to be at their very best from the moment we arrive at the circuit.”
“It is also Marcin’s first race with Cadillac, and I am sure he will bring a fresh approach to how we go racing. From a driver’s perspective, it’s a challenging circuit to visit, with fast, flowing corners that help you establish a good rhythm. The banking is fun too—we don’t really see that very often in a Formula 1 car.”
Marcin Budkowski targets Cadillac’s first F1 point
Marcin Budkowski has chosen a measured approach for the beginning of his tenure. Rather than attempting immediate sweeping changes, he wants to understand Cadillac’s personnel, operational structure and relationship between the factory and trackside team before determining where improvements are required.
One of the most immediate objectives is to secure the first World Championship point in Cadillac’s Formula 1 history. The team entered the summer break with no points and nine retirements from its debut campaign, although it came close to opening its account during the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Zandvoort will now offer Marcin Budkowski his first opportunity to move Cadillac towards that landmark result.
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