Cadillac is set to join the Formula 1 grid in 2026, as the new regulations wave goodbye to the old ‘ground effect’ cars. The arrival of the eleventh team created openings for two drivers and a Team Principal, a leadership role that was quickly linked to Christian Horner.
Although the American team already confirmed Graeme Lowdon as the man to lead the charge back in December, Horner’s abrupt exit from Red Bull sparked conversation in the paddock and media. Recently, the CEO of Cadillac, Dan Towriss, set the record straight.
Christian Horner and the Cadillac leadership rumour addressed
Horner was sacked after 20 years with the Red Bull team. Under his leadership, the Austrian outfit won six Constructors’ Championship titles and eight Drivers’ titles. After years of dominance, Red Bull‘s form began to decline, reportedly leading to Horner’s dismissal.
Max Verstappen Defended Red Bull Leadership Just Days Before Christian Horner’s Shock Red Bull Exit
With the British Team Principal suddenly a free agent, he seemed a suitable choice because of obvious reasons: the 51-year-old had valuable experience from a Championship-winning team that could help Cadillac, as a new entrant, hit the ground running.
However, Cadillac’s CEO Dan Towriss has firmly dismissed those rumours in a briefing, according to Sky Sports. Towriss’ resolute answer confirms that Christian Horner was never an option. Instead, the CEO reaffirmed the team’s full backing for their already-appointed Principal, Graeme Lowdon.
Lowdon, not Horner, will steer Cadillac into F1
Cadillac is taking its first steps into the F1 world with intention; Lowdon’s appointment is far from accidental.
The Briton has experience building Formula 1 outfits from the ground up. In 2010, Lowdon played an important role in guiding Manor Motorsport’s transition into Formula 1. The team raced under the name Virgin Racing until it transformed into the Manor Marussia F1 Team. Lowdon first started as the CEO, and later moved into the role of Sporting Director, where he stayed until 2015.
Just as important is Lowdon’s familiarity with the team, something Christian Horner lacks. For the past two years, Graeme Lowdon has served as a team advisor, helping shape Cadillac’s operations. It seems only fitting that the person who has helped build the team is now in charge of leading it to results.
With both its Team Principal and driver pairing locked in for 2026, Cadillac’s direction is clear. The team is banking on experience, on and off the track, and its commitment to Lowdon underscores that fact. Despite the rumours, Christian Horner was never really in the frame.
