Cadillac strengthens F1 technical department with three senior signings

Cadillac's Formula 1 team has confirmed the appointment of three senior engineers as it works to speed up development of its car.

Craig Skinner, previously chief designer at Red Bull, joins as Cadillac's chief development engineer.

Eric Blandin, formerly deputy technical chief at Aston Martin, has been appointed head of aerodynamics.

Tim Lean, an experienced aerodynamicist, arrives as Chief Engineer - Aerodynamics, according to Autosport.

The trio brings together design and aerodynamic expertise drawn from two of the current grid's established outfits, with Skinner's background at Red Bull and Blandin's at Aston Martin giving Cadillac direct experience of how front-running technical departments are structured.

Cadillac has stated the appointments are intended to accelerate the pace at which its car is developed, a priority for any new entrant seeking to close the gap on more established teams.

Building a technical department capable of competing at the front of the grid typically depends on assembling senior figures who have already delivered results elsewhere, and the recruitment of Skinner, Blandin and Lean suggests Cadillac is prioritising that kind of experience as it establishes its operation.

None of the three engineers has commented publicly on the moves, and Cadillac has not detailed when each will begin their new roles or how the appointments fit into the wider structure of its technical department.

Further hires are likely as the team continues to build out its engineering operation ahead of future competition, though no additional appointments have been confirmed beyond those reported by Autosport.

Attention will now turn to how quickly the new arrivals are integrated into Cadillac's development programme, and what further personnel news follows as the team continues to take shape.