Former IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud is among a list of three drivers signed in development roles by the Cadillac Formula 1 team.
Pagenaud, whose oval racing career ended in 2023 after an accident which left him with a concussion, will bring invaluable experience to the Silverstone-based squad as it prepares for its debut season next year.
Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of two-time F1 champion Emerson, is also joining in a similar role, the 29-year-old having previously been reserve driver for fellow American outfit Haas.
Pagenaud and Fittipaldi will be joined by endurance driver Charlie Eastwood, the Northern Irishman fresh from his LMGT3 victory with TF Sport at last weekend’s 6 Hours of Fuji.
The trio will provide sufficient back up in its simulators to race drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, offering sufficient proof that the team is leaving no stone unturned in its preparation.
In a statement, Pagenaud spoke of his enjoyment at taking on the role, saying it is fulfilling him with a sense of responsibility, lost since his crash.
“Optimizing the technical side of a car and managing relationships with the people in the factory has been my passion ever since I started racing,” the 42-year-old said.
“I really enjoy talking to the engineers, developing the simulator, and making it as realistic as possible.
“This work gives me a feeling of being useful and bringing in my expertise, something that was missing somehow since my accident.”
“My role and my goal are to make the simulator as close to reality as possible and to set up the foundations of the car,” Pagenaud added.
“I want to help Cadillac project itself as accurately as possible towards reality.”
Pagenaud brings ‘experience and energy’ to Cadillac F1 squad – Lowdon
Team Principal Graeme Lowdon spoke of the importance of Pagenaud’s experience, crucial to giving the team every chance of succeeding on track.
“Our work in the simulator in Charlotte is extremely important to building the team,” he said.
“It’s critical on so many levels: consolidating our base performance and aero set-ups, enabling us to be race ready over a Grand Prix weekend, checking systems and protocols, but also establishing clear and effective communication channels between our bases in the US, the UK and – ultimately – trackside.
“Simon has brought experience and energy to the process and has helped us hugely.”
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