Cadillac has replaced its team principal, recruiting Marcin Budkowski to the role. Budkowski got his Formula One start working in the aerodynamics departments of various teams, eventually landing at McLaren. After leaving McLaren in 2014, he became the head of the F1 technical department, eventually moving to Renault during their transition to Alpine. There, he served as technical director, eventually being promoted to executive director of the team. He left in 2022, joining Viaplay to work on Formula One’s Polish broadcast. He replaces Graeme Lowdon, who was hired as Cadillac’s team principal at the end of 2024, leading them to their debut season earlier this year. Before his stint at Cadillac, he was the CEO of the Marussia F1 team. Cadillac is currently at the bottom of the World Constructors’ Championship, being the only team yet to score a point this season. The team has suffered a string of reliability issues, most notably with brakes.
The FIA has lifted its sanctions on Russian and Belarusian drivers, although events in the country are still restricted. This amendment to the emergency measures put in place after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 comes just weeks after the Russian Athletics Federation filed a claim with the Court of Arbitration for Sport aimed at removing sanctions placed on Russian athletes. Drivers have been unable to race under their nation’s flag or national symbols. Although Russian drivers were still permitted to race under a neutral flag or the flag of another nation. There are currently no Russian drivers participating in Formula One, with Daniil Kvyat having been the last to race under the Russian flag in 2020. Nikita Mazepin was the sport’s most recent Russian driver in 2021, but raced under the Russian Automobile Federation banner due to sanctions against Russia for state-sponsored doping.
Former Sky Sports F1 presenter Rachel Brookes has landed a new role as a public speaker for Motorsport to Business. Brookes had been with Sky Sports F1 since they secured the rights to the sport in 2012, announcing her departure only weeks ago. She now joins an elite lineup of motorsport experts, which includes the likes of Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Jacques Villeneuve, and Mika Hakkinen, among others.
It can be challenging for even the most avid fans to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One. The Weekly F1 Recap is a series published each Monday that breaks down the action, both on and off the circuit, into bit-sized pieces. It's perfect for casual and experienced fans alike.
