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Cadillac F1 Adds Pagenaud, Fittipaldi and Eastwood to Simulator Lineup for 2026 Prep

Cadillac describes its Charlotte-led simulator program as essential to building procedures, baseline performance, communication across its US and UK bases.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - AUGUST 27: Driver Sergio Perez (C) addresses the media after announcing his return to Formula 1 at Teatro Telcel on August 27, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. Sergio "Checo" Perez will join Cadillac Formula 1 Team in 2026 as one of the drivers alongside Valtteri Botas. Perez has raced for 14 seasons as part of Sauber, Force India, Racing Point and Red Bull teams. (Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)
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Former IndyCar driver Simon Pagenaud has joined Cadillac as a simulator driver. Image: Joe Skibinski
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Overview

  • IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud, ex-Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi and endurance racer Charlie Eastwood have been named simulator drivers for Cadillac’s 2026 Formula 1 entry.
  • Pagenaud is actively contributing at the team’s Charlotte facility, focusing on refining driver‑in‑the‑loop tools after stepping away from racing following a 2023 Mid-Ohio concussion.
  • Fittipaldi said the group has spent recent months running simulator tests and full race‑weekend simulations to support development of the 2026 car.
  • Team principal Graeme Lowdon said simulator work underpins baseline performance, aero setup validation, race‑weekend readiness and clear links between U.S., U.K. and trackside operations.
  • Cadillac’s race seats are set with Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, with Colton Herta as test driver planning an F2 campaign to build superlicence points ahead of the team’s March 8 debut in Melbourne following planned pre‑season running in Barcelona and Bahrain.