Simon Pagenaud Joins Cadillac’s Formula 1 Simulator Program
In a strategic move to enhance its Formula 1 simulator program, Cadillac has enlisted former IndyCar star Simon Pagenaud among three drivers who will contribute to this initiative. Pagenaud, along with former Haas reserve driver and two-time grand prix competitor Pietro Fittipaldi, and Charlie Eastwood, a factory GT driver for Chevrolet’s sister brand, will play crucial roles in refining Cadillac’s approach to F1 racing.
Background of Simon Pagenaud
Simon Pagenaud has a storied career in motorsports, having achieved significant success during his time with the Penske IndyCar team. Despite suffering a severe concussion from a serious crash at Mid-Ohio in 2023, which sidelined him from racing, Pagenaud has remained active in the motorsport community. He has taken on the role of driving coach for his former Penske teammate, Scott McLaughlin, demonstrating his continued passion for the sport and his dedication to developing new talent.
Pagenaud made a strategic decision to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be closer to the Penske headquarters during his successful tenure with the team. His impressive track record includes both an IndyCar championship and a victory at the prestigious Indy 500. Recently, General Motors (GM) recognized his expertise and brought him on board to conduct simulator testing for IndyCar at their Charlotte facility. His involvement has expanded to supporting Cadillac’s new F1 team through simulator work, marking a significant evolution in his career.
The Role of Simulation in F1 Development
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, simulation technology plays an essential role in car development and race preparation. Pagenaud has expressed his enthusiasm for optimizing technical aspects of racing vehicles and fostering relationships within the engineering teams. "Optimizing the technical side of a car and managing relationships with the people in the factory has been my passion since I started racing," he stated. This commitment to advancing the simulator technology and making it as realistic as possible is a testament to Pagenaud’s dedication to the sport.
His goal is to ensure that the simulator closely mirrors real-life racing conditions, providing invaluable data that can aid in the design and performance of the vehicle. "This work gives me the feeling of being useful and contributing my expertise, something I had been missing a little since my accident," he added, highlighting the emotional aspect of his return to motorsport.
Cadillac’s Vision for Formula 1
Cadillac is poised to make its entry into Formula 1 in 2026, and the establishment of a robust simulator program is a key component of their strategy. Graeme Lowdon, the team principal of Cadillac F1, emphasized the importance of simulation in various aspects of team development. "Our work in the simulator in Charlotte is extremely important for building the team," he remarked.
Lowdon outlined the critical functions of the simulator, including establishing baseline performance metrics, refining aerodynamic setups, and preparing the team for race weekends. Moreover, the simulator helps validate systems and protocols while fostering effective communication between Cadillac’s operations in the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as at the racetrack.
The addition of Pagenaud to the simulator team brings a wealth of experience and energy, which Lowdon has noted as being invaluable to the process. Pagenaud’s involvement is seen as a significant asset in building a competitive foundation for Cadillac’s F1 ambitions.
Other Key Players in Cadillac’s Simulator Program
In addition to Simon Pagenaud, Cadillac has also brought on board two other notable drivers. Pietro Fittipaldi, born in Northern Ireland, previously served as a reserve driver for Haas and participated in two races for the team following Romain Grosjean’s dramatic crash in Bahrain in 2020. Fittipaldi expressed his excitement about joining Cadillac, stating, "I’m very proud to finally share that I’ve joined Cadillac F1. Over the 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."
Charlie Eastwood, a 30-year-old driver employed by GM as a Corvette factory GT3 driver, rounds out the group. His experience in endurance racing adds another layer of expertise to Cadillac’s F1 simulator program. Together, these three drivers will collaborate to ensure that Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1 is marked by innovation and competitive spirit.
Cadillac’s Driver Line-Up for 2026
As Cadillac gears up for its debut in Formula 1, the team has already begun assembling a strong driver line-up. The roster will feature multiple race winners, including Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who bring with them a wealth of experience and success in the sport. Additionally, IndyCar standout Colton Herta is set to join the team as a test driver, further enhancing Cadillac’s competitive edge.
This combination of seasoned drivers and emerging talent reflects Cadillac’s commitment to building a formidable presence in Formula 1. The integration of advanced simulation technology, alongside a robust driver line-up, positions the team to be a serious contender in the upcoming seasons.
Conclusion
With Simon Pagenaud’s deep knowledge of racing and his passion for technical development, Cadillac’s Formula 1 simulator program is in capable hands. The team’s strategic focus on simulation as a cornerstone of its development process is a forward-thinking approach that highlights the importance of technology in modern motorsports. As Cadillac prepares for its 2026 debut, the collaboration between experienced drivers and innovative engineering promises an exciting future in Formula 1.
