Ericsson supporting Cadillac’s F1 project as simulator driver

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Marcus Ericsson, former F1 driver and 2022 Indy 500 winner, has revealed his involvement in Cadillac's journey to the Formula 1 grid in 2026.

The Swedish racer, currently competing in IndyCar with Andretti Global, has taken on a support role in developing the simulator technology that will underpin Cadillac's entry into the pinnacle of motorsport.

Ericsson, who raced in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber from 2014 to 2018 before moving to IndyCar, has found a way to leverage his extensive experience for Cadillac's ambitious project.

“My employer, Andretti, has asked me to fly to England to test different simulators,” Ericsson told Viaplay’s F1 podcast.

“I will provide feedback so they can choose the right model for the whole organization, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and sports cars.”

Read also: Zhou eyes Cadillac F1 opportunity with key connection

Simulators have become an essential tool for success in modern motorsport, aiding teams in car development, driver training, and strategy refinement. Recognizing this, Andretti and Cadillac have turned to Ericsson to guide their decision-making process.

“Simulators have become an integral part of motorsport, and I've been working on improving my own use over the winter,” said the 34-year-old racer.

“It's great that they want to use me and my experience to help.”

A Natural Fit for a Vital Role

While a return to Formula 1 as a race driver seems unlikely for the 34-year-old, Ericsson's role underscores the value of his experience across multiple motorsport disciplines.

After joining IndyCar in 2019 and later clinching victory at the prestigious Indy 500 with Chip Ganassi Racing, Ericsson has become a regular front-runner in IndyCar and one of the series' most versatile drivers.

Through his work on the simulator project, Ericsson is not only aiding Cadillac's F1 preparations but also contributing to Andretti's broader motorsport endeavors, which include their IndyCar and sports car programs.

Cadillac's Search for Drivers

Although Ericsson's contribution to Cadillac's Formula 1 project will primarily focus on simulation and development, speculation continues to swirl around who will occupy the American manufacturer's F1 seats in 2026.

F1 veterans Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez have been singled out as potential candidates as well as former Sauber charger Zhou Guanyu whose manager, Graham Lowdon, was recently named team principal of Cadillac's F1 project.

However, Colton Herta, Ericsson's teammate at Andretti, is reportedly also under consideration for a seat with Cadillac given his credentials and American profile.

The 24-year-old – a nine-time winner in IndyCar – has received high praise for his speed and adaptability, including from 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button.

“He is extremely quick. Everything he gets into, he's quick,” Button told Sky Sports F1.

“In IndyCar, he is extremely quick. He was my teammate when we raced at Daytona earlier this year. “He just gets in, and he's on it.”

Button also backed Herta's potential to succeed in Formula 1.

“He will be quick [in F1] from the word go. There is obviously a lot of learning, very different to IndyCar. “He's got the mindset.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.