On August 26, 2025, Cadillac’s Formula 1 operation issued a firm response to swirling speculation: Christian Horner is not joining Cadillac, and the team’s full support remains with Graeme Lowdon, their current principal.
No Talks, No Plans—Rumor Extinguished
At a media event unveiling Cadillac’s 2026 driver pairing—Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas—Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss addressed the swirling rumors head-on. His message was unequivocal:
“There have been no talks with Christian Horner. No plans to do that… I’d like to officially shut down that rumour. Our support, belief, backing is 100 % in Graeme Lowdon.”
Horner, the now-ousted Red Bull team principal, recently ended a 20-year stint at the top level of F1, and speculation about his return to the paddock—particularly with the new Cadillac outfit—had gained significant traction in motorsport circles. Cadillac, however, has firmly dismissed any such moves.
Cadillac’s 2026 Drivers—Veterans, Not Visionaries
Cadillac’s debut season in Formula 1 won’t simply be about pageantry—it’s about launching the team with seasoned, proven race drivers. The 2026 driver lineup features:
- Sergio Pérez, formerly of Red Bull, with six Grand Prix victories under his belt, having been released mid-2024 despite having two years left on his contract.
- Valtteri Bottas, former Mercedes and Sauber driver with ten wins and a track record of consistency. He spent 2025 as a reserve driver.
Reuters characterized this choice as “a safe but obvious choice,” emphasizing Cadillac’s aim to bring “leadership and stability” to a challenging inaugural campaign.
Stability Over Sensation: Why Lowdon Stands Firm
The team’s unwavering support for Graeme Lowdon as team principal is more than ceremonial. Towriss highlighted that Cadillac’s leadership is fully behind Lowdon—no hints of internal tumult or intention to replace him.
Lowdon, once CEO of Virgin/Marussia (later Manor), was brought on board in December 2024 to lead Cadillac’s F1 initiative. He has played a central role in assembling staff, refining facilities across Indiana, North Carolina, and Silverstone, and spearheading driver strategy.
With Horner absent from the conversation, Cadillac’s message is clear: this project is about long-term team building, not headline-grabbing hires.
A Confluence of Experience, Ambition, and Vision
Cadillac’s 2026 debut in F1 is no small endeavor. Backed by General Motors and managed through TWG Global’s TWG Motorsports, the team is positioned to fight adversity with resources and strategy. Cadillac has already recruited heavily from existing F1 operations, including Red Bull, and is structured to rival U.S. teams like Haas.
Bottas and Pérez bring a combined tally of approximately 16 Grand Prix victories, over 500 race starts, and leadership forged alongside championship-caliber teammates. Their experience is a cornerstone of Cadillac’s plan.
Decades-long institutional knowledge, extensive F1 infrastructure, and championship-tested professionals form the backbone of Cadillac’s nascent campaign.
Chronicles of the Controversy
Speculation about Christian Horner joining Cadillac lingered despite the company’s strategic clarity. In particular, some reports and pundits viewed the hiring of a high-profile figure like Horner—few with as much F1 executive experience—as a potential boon. However, Cadillac’s leadership, particularly Towriss, consistently charmed that possibility with dismissive clarity.
Notably, industry observers have suggested that Horner might instead seek to return to F1 only under more favorable conditions—such as part ownership or a controlling stake—not offered by Cadillac’s current structure.
Final Word
- Cadillac has unequivocally denied any approach or plans involving Christian Horner following the announcement of its 2026 drivers.
- CEO Dan Towriss reiterated full backing for Graeme Lowdon as team principal.
- The new team has signed experienced drivers—Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas—emphasizing leadership and stability over youth or celebrity.
- Cadillac is focused on building a credible, well-supported F1 team, rather than secure high-profile appointments.
Cadillac’s message is now clear: no sensational hires, just steady heads and experienced drivers building a foundation from the ground up.