Graeme Lowdon is the most recent team principal in Formula 1 to leave the position before the end of the season in the recent history of the category. Cadillac decided to change its leadership and replace him with Marcin Budkowski, a professional with previous experience in F1.
Read more F1: Steiner rules out taking command of the FIA and jokes: «Current president will stay forever»
The change happened after the first half of Cadillac’s debut season in Formula 1, placing Lowdon alongside other names who also could not remain in command until the end of the championship in recent years. The recent list includes changes motivated both by team decisions and voluntary departures.
The most recent previous case occurred in March, when Jonathan Wheatley left Audi with immediate effect, after only two races of the German manufacturer’s first season in Formula 1. According to Audi, the former Red Bull Racing sporting director decided to step down for personal reasons, and Mattia Binotto took over his responsibilities.
At Red Bull, Christian Horner ended in 2025 a two-decade tenure leading the team, which began when the brand entered Formula 1 in 2005. During this period, Horner led six constructors’ titles and eight drivers’ championships, before Laurent Mekies took over leadership in Milton Keynes after the 2025 British GP.
Read more F1: Statistics give hope to Hamilton in the fight for the 2026 title
Alpine had an even more intense sequence of changes. Otmar Szafnauer left the team after the 2023 Belgian GP, Bruno Famin initially took over on an interim basis and then left the position during the Belgian race weekend in 2024. Oliver Oakes was chosen to replace him but resigned with immediate effect in May 2025, less than a year later, paving the way for Flavio Briatore.
Another notable episode happened at Ferrari in 2014, when Stefano Domenicali left the command just three races after the start of the season. After a difficult start against Mercedes and Red Bull under the new regulations, Domenicali took responsibility for the results and resigned in April, being replaced by Marco Mattiacci before that year’s Chinese GP.
Read more F1: Herbert reveals which fan base attacked him the most virtually during his time as commissioner
