That is a serious statement of intent from the newest garage on the grid. As Motorsport.com reports, the Cadillac Formula 1 team has secured three major engineering signings in Craig Skinner, Eric Blandin, and Tim Lean to accelerate its development.
Former Red Bull chief designer Skinner, the brilliant mind behind Red Bull's championship winning RB19, is taking up the role of Cadillac's chief development engineer. Skinner was close to a move to Alpine, but opted instead for the US-owned team's offer.
These appointments represent a vital step in the technical evolution of the team,
Joining alongside him is former Aston Martin deputy tech chief Eric Blandin, who steps in as the team's head of aerodynamics. Meanwhile, experienced aerodynamicist Tim Lean comes in as Chief Engineer - Aerodynamics Modelling and Simulation, following stints at McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari, and will report directly to Blandin.
Cadillac made its debut this season as an 11th expansion team, set up by former Manor man Graeme Lowdon with veteran grand prix winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its drivers. The team debuted with its MAC-26 car powered by Ferrari engines. With management keen to step up its development pace, Cadillac CEO Dan Towriss replaced Lowdon during the summer break with former Alpine executive Marcin Budkowski.
Budkowski's first job has been to further strengthen procedures and tap into co-owner General Motors' existing resources, following operational and build quality issues. Now, the squad has moved to shore up its technical leadership group as it prepares for its 2027 sophomore campaign.
Given the long lead time and gardening leave periods involved, Cadillac announced the three would "all join the team in the next few months."
“These appointments represent a vital step in the technical evolution of the team,” said Marcin Budkowski, Team Principal, Cadillac Formula 1 Team. “Bringing together experienced leadership across development, aerodynamics and modelling will help us create a stronger integrated technical organization and improve performance on track. Craig, Eric and Tim bring race and championship-winning experience to Cadillac F1 in areas that are central to our long-term development.”
Cadillac recently set up shop in a brand-new UK headquarters in Silverstone, while working on a new state-of-the-art base in Fishers, Indiana. These new signings arrive as a clear sign the team is pushing forward despite lingering doubts over part of its ownership group amid a wider investigation into Mark Walter, owner of the TWG Global group which is the team's majority owner.
