Cadillac F1, which is set to debut in Formula 1 in 2026, recently expanded its driver lineup by signing IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Simon Pagenaud alongside simulator drivers Pietro Fittipaldi and Charlie Eastwood. This development follows the earlier addition of Colton Herta to the team’s roster, highlighting Cadillac’s strategic focus on experienced talent as they build towards their inaugural F1 season.
Simon Pagenaud, a decorated IndyCar figure known for securing the 2016 IndyCar championship and triumphing at the Indy 500 in 2019 while racing for Team Penske, retired from competitive racing in 2023 after suffering a severe crash during a Mid-Ohio practice session. Now, he channels his passion into simulator work for Cadillac F1, bringing his deep technical understanding to the team.
Simon Pagenaud Embraces New Role as Simulator Driver
Cadillac F1 officially revealed its trio of simulator drivers, with Pagenaud expressing his enthusiasm for contributing behind the scenes. He highlighted his ongoing engagement with the technical aspects of car development and collaboration with engineering teams as key motivations for continuing his involvement in motorsport.
“Optimizing the technical aspect of a car and managing relationships with people at the factory has been my passion since I started racingI really enjoy talking with the engineers, developing the simulator, and making it as realistic as possible. This work makes me feel useful and like I’m contributing my expertise, something that’s been lacking since my accident. My role and goal are to make the simulator as close to reality as possible and lay the foundations for the car. I want to help Cadillac project itself as accurately as possible toward reality.”
Simon Pagenaud, Simulator Driver, Cadillac F1
This role allows Pagenaud to aid the team’s preparations by ensuring the simulator environment is precise and reflective of real-world driving conditions, providing crucial data to support vehicle development.
Pietro Fittipaldi Returns to Formula 1 Tech Work
Joining Pagenaud is Pietro Fittipaldi, a Brazilian driver and grandson of two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi. Pietro has experience racing in IndyCar, including part-time stints with Dale Coyne Racing and a full season with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 2024. His direct ties to Formula 1 include a previous role as a test and reserve driver for the Haas F1 team between 2019 and 2022, notably stepping in to replace Romain Grosjean for two races after Grosjean’s fiery accident at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Fittipaldi shared on social media his excitement about helping Cadillac prepare its 2026 F1 car through simulated testing and detailed race weekend simulations.
“I’m very proud to finally share that I’ve joined the Cadillac F1 Team! We have been working together on the development of the team’s 2026 F1 car. As a sim driver, together with my teammates, we have been doing extensive simulator testing and full race weekend simulations to prepare for next season. It’s a privilege to contribute my experience to a project of this scale and to be part of a brand as iconic as Cadillac.”
Pietro Fittipaldi, Simulator Driver, Cadillac F1
With his technical knowledge and racing experience, Fittipaldi plays a vital part in helping Cadillac refine its performance and strategy ahead of entering the pinnacle of motorsport.
Charlie Eastwood Brings Endurance Racing Expertise to Simulator Duties
Completing the trio of simulator drivers is Charlie Eastwood, an Irish driver who won the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Am class with TF Sport in the World Endurance Championship. Eastwood’s endurance racing background offers valuable insights into car performance and long-distance race strategy, complementing the team’s diverse driver development efforts.
Eastwood confirmed his simulator role with Cadillac F1 through a social media statement, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to contribute during this crucial phase.
“I am honored to announce that I am joining @Cadillac_F1 as a Simulator Driver. I will be able to contribute to their F1 entry with my experience in sim & development work. Grateful to Cadillac for the trust at such an important time.”
Charlie Eastwood, Simulator Driver, Cadillac F1
Team Composition Solidifies with Experienced Drivers and Support Roles
Alongside these simulator drivers, Cadillac F1 has secured F1 veterans Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as its two race drivers, with Colton Herta joining as a test driver. Herta, who has been a standout competitor in IndyCar with Andretti Global, finished as the championship runner-up in 2024. Meanwhile, Fittipaldi concluded the same season in 19th place with a less competitive team before transitioning to IMSA SportsCar racing in 2025.
This blend of seasoned F1 campaigners, IndyCar champions, and endurance race winners reflects Cadillac’s comprehensive approach to building a competitive team. The General Motors-backed outfit appears close to finalizing its full roster, with only the reserve driver role remaining open as the 2026 launch date approaches.
Bringing this breadth of expertise into their simulator and development programs allows Cadillac F1 to rigorously prepare its car and personnel, shaping a robust foundation for their entry into Formula 1’s elite competition.
