‘We Battled for the Freedom to be Stressed’: An Interview with Cadillac F1 CEO Dan Towriss

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      If you read any of the numerous profiles on Daniel Towriss, you might assume he’s just another billionaire eager to acquire franchises and take on grand projects. As the founder and/or CEO of several major enterprises, including Andretti Global, Cadillac Formula 1 Team, and the insurance company Gainbridge—and a pivotal partner in the consortium that owns the LA Dodgers, LA Lakers, and Chelsea FC—one could easily view him as someone aloof or out of touch.

      However, the reality is that Dan—known simply as such in the F1, IndyCar, and NASCAR circles—is an approachable, hands-on individual who champions the idea of leading by example and empowering others to think, act, and succeed. Since 2019, when Gainbridge first sponsored an Andretti Indy car, Towriss has been swiftly investing in his ideals. From becoming a title sponsor of the Indy 500 to driving Cadillac’s F1 venture, I would argue that his influence in contemporary American motorsports is unparalleled.

      I had the opportunity to speak with Towriss earlier this month to gain insights into the ambitious Cadillac Formula 1 Team project and to understand how he and his close circle—including his wife, Cassidy—have managed to create a significant impact in a sport often characterized by fleeting fortunes and inflated egos.

      We also extensively discussed his professional background and the culture that he and team principal Graeme Lowdon are fostering among their teams in Fishers, Indiana; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Silverstone, England. A highlight of my conversation with the native of Muncie, Indiana, was recognizing that they’ve made it. While Cadillac hasn’t reached its ultimate goal yet, after a long and dramatic journey to the F1 grid, they’re now competing against ten other teams.

      “Cassidy is quick to remind us that we fought for the right to be stressed, for the right to work this hard. Then you remind yourself, you’re exactly where you want to be.” - Dan Towriss

      Jerry Perez: You’re finally in Miami—your first race for the Cadillac team in the United States. That’s significant. How does it feel?

      Dan Towriss: We’re feeling fantastic; every race has been special so far, but having our inaugural race on American soil is a major milestone. It holds immense significance for this team. This is our fourth race of the year, and we’re witnessing considerable changes and progress within the team, which has been great to observe. Over the break, the team dedicated significant time to upgrades for Miami, and we’re just beginning to see those unfold. Watching this team come together week after week is special. Although everyone on the team has F1 experience, it takes time to transform that into a cohesive unit, and I’m excited to see that unfold.

      I reside in Fishers, so I frequently walk past the Cadillac F1 Team facility that's under construction. Given the pace at which you're moving, it must feel overwhelming. You’re building, hiring, racing all over the world, and constantly developing a car. How do you manage all these projects simultaneously?

      Thank you for that question! It is indeed enormous because it involves more than just the team and the usual race duties. It includes the real estate project and an almost monthly workforce growth of about 10%, meaning you have to shape the culture and create the future Cadillac Formula 1 Team. Everything is continuously evolving. You shift from intensely hands-on projects to more structured and precise tasks. Achieving this doesn’t happen overnight; it demands substantial effort and time, and we’re accomplishing it. It has been wonderful to witness, though there will always be some bumps along the way, but things are coming together and have exceeded our expectations thus far.

      What have been some of those bumps?

      It often boils down to people [staffing], or perhaps we decide to make changes to the building, causing a slight delay. These are the usual challenges one would expect when trying to build something with all the necessary resources for a new team. You think you know how it will go, but along the way, you realize you want to adjust things. There have been a few adaptations required, but those are standard hurdles, and we're making steady progress.

      I listened to your episode on the Beyond the Grid podcast and especially enjoyed your segment on your baseball aspirations and how you shifted to focusing on business and excelled at it. I recall Cassidy sharing a video of you solving algebra problems on your phone at home, captioned “Our Instagram algorithms are so different.” I found that delightful. How has this journey prepared you for IndyCar with Andretti Global and this significant F1 project?

      It’s a mix of business insight, numerical understanding, and the ability to lead within team dynamics. It’s about harmonizing those elements to establish a cohesive team culture. You can gather many talented people, but without the right culture and teamwork, it