Cadillac F1 Team Prepares for 2026 Debut with Design Insights from Principal Graeme Lowdon
Cadillac’s Formula 1 ambition crystallizes as team principal Graeme Lowdon reveals key details about the design of their inaugural 2026 car. In a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast, Lowdon emphasized the significance of livery choices, asserting that color impacts not only aesthetics but also performance.
“While the visual appeal is crucial, it must also represent something meaningful,” Lowdon stated. He provided a technical perspective, noting that the weight differences between colors can affect performance—specifically, white cars can be heavier than black ones due to the paint or wrap materials used. “So my guess is that there’ll be a lot of dark-colored cars in 2026 if the engineers win the day,” he added, highlighting the balance between engineering and design.
Lowdon underscored that even the finish of the paint—gloss versus matte—can yield weight variations significant enough to influence race outcomes. He remarked, “Red Bull is enjoying a performance boost from their move to a lighter matte base color.”
As the team anticipates the introduction of a new power unit in 2026, Lowdon noted that color stability under heat conditions will factor into their design decisions. “Lighter colors tend to discolor with high temperatures, and there’s a lot of heat generated that we need to consider,” he explained.
Aiming for strong visual impact, Lowdon advocates for a design that resonates with young fans: “We want our car to pass the ’12-year-old fan test’—if it doesn’t inspire that dream and excitement, we’ve missed the mark.” He echoed Cadillac’s legacy of bold design, insisting that the car must evoke emotion and stand out among competitors.
Cadillac joins the motorsport elite backed by General Motors, while details regarding their driver lineup remain forthcoming. As the team gears up for its grid debut, expectations are high for both performance and visual appeal.
