Cadillac F1 enlists Pagenaud and Fittipaldi as sim drivers

Cadillac has added extra firepower to its F1 project by enlisting three new drivers to strengthen its simulation program: Indy 500 champion Simon Pagenaud, former Haas F1 reserve Pietro Fittipaldi, and GM factory GT driver Charlie Eastwood.

The trio will support the American marque in the run-up to its a highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 debut, working behind the scenes to fine-tune the virtual tools that will form the backbone of Cadillac’s preparation.

Pagenaud, 41, has not raced competitively since sustaining a concussion in a frightening crash at Mid-Ohio in 2023, while racing in IndyCar with Meyer Shank Racing.

Pagenaud’s New Post-IndyCar Chapter 

The Frenchman, the 2019 winner of the Indianapolis 500, has since been pouring his energy into driver coaching and simulator development, a role that now expands into Cadillac’s F1 effort.

“Optimising the technical side of a car and managing relationships with the people in the factory has been my passion since I started racing,” Pagenaud explained.

“I really enjoy talking with engineers, developing the simulator, and making it as realistic as possible. This work gives me the feeling of being useful and contributing my expertise, something I had been missing a little since my accident.

“My role and my goal are to make the simulator as close to reality as possible and to lay the foundations of the car. I want to help Cadillac project itself towards reality in the most accurate way possible.”

Cadillac team principal Graeme Lowdon praised Pagenaud’s impact on the fledgling operation.

“Our work in the simulator in Charlotte is extremely important for building the team,” commented the Briton.

“It is crucial in many respects: consolidating our baseline performance and aerodynamic setups, allowing us to be race-ready during a Grand Prix weekend, validating systems and protocols, but also establishing clear and efficient communication channels between our bases in the United States, the United Kingdom and, ultimately, trackside.

“Simon has brought experience and energy to this process, and he has been a tremendous help.”

Fittipaldi Brings F1 Know-How, Eastwood Adds GM Muscle

At 29, Fittipaldi brings prior Formula 1 mileage from his time with Haas. The Brazilian stepped in for two Grands Prix in 2020 after Romain Grosjean’s infamous Bahrain crash.

“I’m very proud to finally share that I’ve joined Cadillac F1,” Fittipaldi wrote on social media.

“Over past few months, we’ve been working together on the development of the team’s 2026 F1 car through sim testing and full GP simulations. It’s a privilege to be part of a brand as iconic as Cadillac.”

Completing the trio is 30-year-old Charlie Eastwood of Northern Ireland, who has built his reputation as a Corvette GT driver under the General Motors banner and now shifts gears to contribute to Cadillac’s Formula 1 preparations.

The arrival of Pagenaud, Fittipaldi, and Eastwood further bolsters Cadillac’s driver roster, which already features Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez as its full-time line-up for 2026, with IndyCar star Colton Herta signed as a test driver.

With a blend of championship-winning pedigree, prior F1 experience, and GM loyalty, Cadillac’s new simulator recruits reflect a serious commitment to laying strong technical foundations before the team even turns a wheel in anger.

Read also: Ex-Miami GP boss Tyler Epp joins Cadillac F1 team

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