Cadillac F1 Team Excites Fans with Simon Pagenaud, Pietro Fittipaldi as Simulator Drivers

Cadillac appoints Simon Pagenaud and Pietro Fittipaldi as simulator drivers as it prepares a 2026 entry into Formula 1. The programme concentrates on correlation, performance tools, and race-weekend support.

The pair joins Charlie Eastwood to complete a three-driver simulator roster. Their brief covers drive-in-the-loop running, model validation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing ahead of the 2026 ruleset.

Team principal Graeme Lowdon says the Charlotte-based simulator operation underpins baseline performance work and aerodynamic setup direction. He stresses its role in turning concept gains into repeatable track outcomes.

Pagenaud, an IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, has not raced since a 2023 concussion. He pivots to simulator work and coaching, prioritising fidelity and feedback clarity.

After relocating to Charlotte, he tested General Motors’ IndyCar simulators before joining Cadillac’s F1 project. He focuses on replicating real car conditions and fine-tuning the 2026 baseline package.

Fittipaldi, 29, a former Haas reserve who contested two 2020 grands prix, conducts development runs and full race-weekend simulations. He targets performance refinement and procedural readiness before track mileage begins.

He describes pride in representing the brand while building a foundation for competitive entry. His experience supports operational drills and setup exploration under realistic constraints.

Eastwood, 30, a Corvette factory GT driver, adds GT-derived techniques to correlation tasks. His role spans evaluation, consistency checks, and bringing multi-discipline insight into F1-specific workflows.

The broader programme includes race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, plus Colton Herta as test driver. That creates a feedback loop between simulator findings and track-facing operations.

Cadillac targets a credible first step against rivals already mapping their 2026 paths, including Red Bull’s 2026 direction. Consistent correlation and process discipline will determine early competitiveness.

Operationally, the simulator supports race weekends by rehearsing setup, strategy, and tyre usage before sessions. It also tightens communication between US and UK bases and the trackside team.

Next, the focus remains on refining aero and mechanical platforms, improving tyre models, and meeting homologation timelines. That investment aligns with broader auto racing industry trends shaping development speed and risk tolerance.

Visual Summary

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.