Valtteri Bottas issues 'American way' response after shock Cadillac leadership change

Valtteri Bottas has issued his reaction to the sacking of Graeme Lowdon as Cadillac team principal, describing it as the "American way" to make a sudden change.

It was announced by Cadillac towards the conclusion of the summer break that Lowdon, despite setting up the team over the last three years, would depart, with him replaced by former Alpine executive director Marcin Budkowski.

The news came as a shock, with Formula 1's newest outfit having made a positive start to life in the championship despite some clear issues, such as brake cooling.

Budkowski left Alpine in 2022 and has been a pundit since 2023, with his move to Cadillac representing his first team boss role.

Lowdon's exit came as a disappointment to Bottas, who has a strong personal relationship with him, but he understands why a change has happened after speaking to TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss.

Addressing Lowdon's exit, Bottas told select media, including RacingNews365: "I think a big change like this in the middle of the season is always initially surprising, but yeah. 

"Then speaking with Dan, etc., explaining to me all the reasons why this change [has happened], and I respect that. I think if we just keep everything the same, we're never going to progress, so we're going to change some things. 

"Obviously, it's a real shame that it is Graeme who got out because, first of all, he's a friend of mine. But I also think he's done a great job setting up the team, getting ready to be on the grid in the first race, so my hat's off to him for that. 

"But at the same time, also welcoming Marcin. I don't know him that well from the past. I've seen him around, but for sure, in the next few days, we're going to spend a lot of time together."

Cadillac's bold decision

The biggest surprise is the speed at which Lowdon has been axed from Cadillac's life on the grid, given the time he dedicated to getting it into the sport.

In Bottas' eyes, the outfit's senior figures have reacted suddenly, which is common with other American-owned sports teams.

"I think also the American way can be a bit more reactive and sudden than the European way when it comes to leading the team," added Bottas.

"I don't think they are afraid of changing people suddenly if they see that it could be a good thing for the future."