Cadillac make significant signing from Audi ahead of F1 debut

Cadillac's have strengthened it's team with another key hire ahead of making their debut in Formula 1.

GPblog can confirm that former chief executive of Audi Formula Racing, Adam Baker has joined the team. The American outfit will have selected multiple race winners Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel and they have now signed Baker, who will be part of the teams engine factory as chief operating officer.

F1's newest team will initially use Ferrari power units before developing their own engines in anticipation for the 2029 season. Cadillac will open a factory for the Formula 1 engine development next year, and Baker's role will be to oversee the department and recruitment of their power unit division.

Meanwhile, CEO Dan Towriss and Team Principal Graeme Lowdon are leading the team, which is currently being run from a temporary location in Silverstone before relocating to a purpose-build factory in the U.S.

Baker has a lot of experience in motorsport, having worked at companies such as Cosworth and having a four-year stint at Audi, which began in 2021. He also worked as the FIA's safety director from 2018.

As well as Formula 1, Baker has also spent time in the World Endurance Championship and in Formula E, which could benefit the team's understanding of hybrid technology.

Cadillac's decision to only introduce their own engine in 2029 will give Baker time to build the foundations of a succesful project.

They already have two successful drivers in Perez and Bottas, who should provide a lot of experience as Cadillac navigate F1 for the first time.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest news from the F1 paddock with GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.