Graeme Lowdon on Leveraging Cadillac’s Expertise for Driver Selection in Formula 1

September 17, 2025

Cadillac F1 Team Accelerates Preparations for 2026 Debut

The new Cadillac Formula 1 Team is making significant strides in its preparations for the 2026 racing season, just six months before its anticipated entry into the prestigious motorsport. driver lineups have been finalized, and intensive car development is underway across both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Engineers are diligently running simulations to optimize performance for the demanding Grand Prix circuit.

Graeme Lowdon Leads the charge

Spearheading Cadillac’s foray into Formula 1 is Team Principal Graeme lowdon.He brings a wealth of experience, having successfully launched Virgin Racing in 2010 – a team that, even though initially competing at the back of the grid, benefited from the talent of the late Jules Bianchi. Lowdon’s proven ability to build a competitive team from the ground up is seen as a critical asset for Cadillac.

Insights from ‘Beyond The Grid’ Podcast

In a recent episode of the ‘Beyond The Grid’ podcast, Lowdon shared insights into his journey to Cadillac, detailing how the team secured its place in Formula 1 and outlining the extensive preparations underway. He emphasized the careful selection of drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, highlighting their skills and experience as ideal for the team’s ambitions.

Lowdon also expressed admiration for Cadillac’s reserve driver, Colton Herta, acknowledging the IndyCar star’s potential as he transitions to the world of Formula 1. This shift represents a significant career move for Herta, offering him a chance to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

Key Team Members and Drivers

Role	Name
Team Principal	Graeme Lowdon
Driver	Valtteri Bottas
Driver	Sergio Perez
Reserve Driver	Colton Herta

Did You Know? The Cadillac Formula 1 team’s development is occurring simultaneously in both the United States and Europe, leveraging expertise from both continents.

Pro Tip: Following podcasts like ‘Beyond The Grid’ offers valuable behind-the-scenes access and insights into the world of Formula 1 team operations.

Fans can access the full podcast episode via Podfollow or their preferred podcasting platform. Previous episodes, spanning decades of Formula 1 history, are also available in the dedicated ‘Beyond The Grid’ library on the official Formula 1 website.

The Growing Appeal of Formula 1

Formula 1 has experienced a surge in global popularity in recent years, driven by factors such as increased social media engagement, the Netflix docuseries “Drive to Survive”, and a renewed focus on exciting races. According to Statista, Formula 1’s global fan base reached 471 million in 2023, demonstrating significant growth. The arrival of a new American manufacturer like Cadillac further amplifies this trend, broadening the sport’s appeal to a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cadillac’s F1 Entry

• What is Cadillac’s role in Formula 1? Cadillac is entering Formula 1 as a new constructor,building and racing their own cars.
• Who is the team Principal of the Cadillac F1 team? Graeme Lowdon is the Team Principal, bringing experience from his time with Virgin Racing.
• Who are the drivers for the Cadillac F1 team? Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been confirmed as the team’s drivers.
• When will Cadillac make its Formula 1 debut? The team is scheduled to debut at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.
• Where is the Cadillac F1 team developing their car? Development is taking place on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean – in the United States and Europe.
• What is the significance of Colton Herta’s role? Colton Herta joins as a reserve driver, transitioning from indycar to perhaps race in Formula 1.
• Where can I listen to interviews with the Cadillac F1 team? The ‘Beyond The Grid’ podcast features interviews with team members, providing insights into their preparations.

What are your predictions for Cadillac’s performance in their inaugural Formula 1 season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does Cadillac’s emphasis on feedback quality contribute to their driver selection process, and how will Andretti Cadillac aim to replicate this in F1?

The Unique Challenge of F1 Driver recruitment

Finding the right Formula 1 driver isn’t simply about lap times. It’s a complex equation involving technical feedback, racecraft, media handling, and the ability to thrive under immense pressure. Graeme Lowdon, currently Team Principal at Andretti Cadillac, brings a wealth of experiance to this process, honed through years at Red Bull Racing and other prominent motorsport teams. His approach, notably as Andretti Cadillac prepares for its F1 entry, emphasizes a holistic evaluation, drawing heavily on Cadillac’s established methodologies in driver progress and assessment. This differs considerably from purely performance-based scouting.

Cadillac’s Driver Development Philosophy: A Foundation for F1

Cadillac’s success in IMSA and other sports car championships isn’t accidental. A core component is a robust driver development program. This program focuses on:

* Data Analysis: Extensive use of telemetry and simulation data to understand driver strengths and weaknesses.

* Psychological Profiling: Assessing mental fortitude, adaptability, and the ability to handle stress.

* Long-Term Potential: Identifying drivers with the capacity to improve and contribute to the team’s long-term goals, not just immediate results.

* Feedback Quality: Evaluating the clarity, accuracy, and technical depth of driver feedback to engineers.

Lowdon intends to translate these principles directly to F1 driver selection for andretti Cadillac. He believes the cadillac system provides a more nuanced and predictive model than relying solely on junior formula results.

Beyond Lap Times: Key Attributes Lowdon Prioritizes

While speed remains crucial, Lowdon stresses the importance of several other attributes when evaluating potential F1 drivers:

* Technical Understanding: The modern F1 car is incredibly complex. Drivers must be able to articulate technical issues and work effectively with engineers to optimize performance. “A driver who can’t explain why they’re struggling is far less valuable than one who can,” Lowdon has stated in interviews.

* Racecraft & Overtaking Ability: Qualifying is critically important, but race day is where championships are won. The ability to make decisive overtakes, manage tires, and adapt to changing conditions is paramount.

* Adaptability: F1 regulations are constantly evolving. Drivers must be able to quickly adapt to new cars, tires, and track conditions.

* Teamwork & Communication: F1 is a team sport. Drivers need to be able to collaborate effectively with engineers, mechanics, and other team members.

* Media Savvy: The modern F1 driver is a global ambassador for the team and sponsors. Strong communication skills and the ability to handle media scrutiny are essential.

Integrating Cadillac’s Simulation Expertise

Cadillac’s extensive use of advanced driver-in-the-loop (DIL) simulators will play a notable role in the driver selection process.These simulators allow teams to:

1. Assess Driver Consistency: Evaluate a driver’s ability to consistently hit their target lap times in a controlled surroundings.
2. Evaluate Reaction Time & Decision-Making: Simulate various race scenarios and assess how drivers react under pressure.
3. Develop Car Setup Preferences: Understand a driver’s preferred car setup and how they contribute to optimizing performance.
4. Accelerate Learning Curve: Allow drivers to familiarize themselves with the F1 car and tracks before they even get behind the wheel of the real thing.

This simulation data provides a valuable complement to on-track testing, allowing Andretti Cadillac to make more informed decisions about driver selection.

The Importance of Data Correlation

A key aspect of Lowdon’s approach is ensuring strong correlation between simulator data and on-track performance. If a driver performs well in the simulator but struggles to replicate those results in the real world, it raises questions about their ability to translate their skills. Cadillac’s experience in data analysis and correlation will be vital in identifying drivers who can consistently deliver results. This also extends to correlating driver feedback with engineering analysis – ensuring the driver’s perception of the car’s behavior aligns with the data.

Case Study: Cadillac’s IMSA Driver Selection

Cadillac’s prosperous driver pairings in IMSA, such as Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims, weren’t chosen solely on speed. They were selected based on a combination of performance, technical feedback, and teamwork. Derani, such as, is known for his exceptional racecraft and ability to consistently deliver strong results, while Sims brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience. This deliberate pairing, informed by Cadillac’s data-driven approach, has yielded multiple championships. Lowdon aims to replicate this success in F1.

Practical Tips for Aspiring F1 Drivers

Based on Lowdon’s insights, aspiring F1 drivers should focus on:

* Developing Strong Communication Skills: Practice articulating technical issues clearly and concisely.

* Embracing Data Analysis: learn to understand and interpret telemetry data.

* Prioritizing Physical and Mental Fitness: F1 is