Pietro Fittipaldi – Foto: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com
Brazilian driver Pietro Fittipaldi, aged 29, announced his role as a development driver for Cadillac in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The grandson of two-time champion Emerson Fittipaldi will work on simulations and car testing for the American team, set to debut in March 2026. The agreement takes place in Charlotte, USA, focusing on preparing the car under new technical regulations.
Fittipaldi brings seven years of experience as a reserve driver at Haas, where he raced twice in 2020. He expressed pride in contributing to Cadillac’s early project, a prestigious General Motors brand.
The team also confirmed Simon Pagenaud and Charlie Eastwood for the simulator group. Their expertise in IndyCar and endurance racing enhances the car’s development process.
- Collective experience: Over 500 starts in elite competitions among the new members.
- Initial focus: Full race weekend simulations to optimize performance.
- Technical partnership: Use of Charlotte simulator for precise data collection.
Two paths. One call of destiny.
The Cadillac Formula 1 Team’s future begins with them. pic.twitter.com/4r9g6IsDW1— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) August 26, 2025
Fittipaldi’s background in elite motorsport
Pietro Fittipaldi debuted in Formula 1 in 2020, replacing Romain Grosjean at Haas for the Sakhir and Abu Dhabi GPs. He completed both races without major incidents, showing quick adaptation to high-performance cars. Outside F1, he raced full-time in IndyCar in 2021 and 2022, securing podiums on challenging ovals.
Currently, Fittipaldi competes in the 2025 IMSA SportsCar season in the LMP2 class, earning partial victories in endurance races. His career includes stints in Formula 3 and Formula 2, building a strong technical foundation for development roles.
Since early 2025, he has worked with Cadillac in confidential simulator sessions. These tests helped calibrate the chassis for 2026 rules, introducing more efficient hybrid engines.
Formation of Cadillac’s simulator core
Cadillac assembled a specialized trio for simulations, with Fittipaldi, Pagenaud, and Eastwood sharing tasks. Pagenaud, 2016 IndyCar champion and 2019 Indianapolis 500 winner, returns after a 2023 injury. He tested the Charlotte simulator, focusing on high-speed scenarios.
Eastwood, a 24-year-old Irish driver, represents General Motors in the World Endurance Championship with Corvette #81. His GT3 expertise aids aerodynamic adjustments for the F1 project. The group conducts daily sessions, replicating tracks like Monza and Silverstone.
Led by Graeme Lowdon, the team prioritizes real-race data to refine the car. By November 2025, simulations will cover all 24 calendar circuits.
These efforts aim to position Cadillac among competitive teams from the start.
Main drivers and debut strategy
Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas form Cadillac’s 2026 main lineup, with over 500 GPs and 100 podiums combined. Pérez, a 35-year-old Mexican, brings consistency from his 2023 Red Bull runner-up finish. Bottas, a 36-year-old Finn, adds balance with nine Mercedes victories.
Colton Herta, a 24-year-old American, serves as reserve test driver, with IndyCar experience. The selection blends veterans for immediate feedback and youth for technical innovation.
The team uses Ferrari power units initially, planning its own by 2029. Lowdon emphasizes quick adaptation to regulations, with on-track tests scheduled for December 2025.
Progress on the 2026 car development
Cadillac’s car progresses on schedule, with a chassis designed for new active aerodynamics standards. Engineers use sustainable materials, cutting weight by 10% compared to current models. Simulations show 0.5-second gains per lap on technical circuits.
Fittipaldi and the team tested hybrid setups, optimizing energy recovery in slow corners. Pagenaud provided braking data, improving durability in high-intensity stops.
Eastwood focused on setups for high-speed tracks like Spa-Francorchamps. By late 2025, the car will complete 5,000 virtual kilometers, equivalent to a full season.
The Silverstone headquarters, opened in March, houses 200 engineers from teams like Audi and McLaren, applying rigorous validation protocols.
American presence expansion in F1
Cadillac’s entry raises the team count to 11, targeting the U.S. market. General Motors invests $500 million initially in infrastructure, including an Indiana factory, creating 300 direct jobs in automotive development.
Pérez and Herta attract Latin and local fans, while Bottas adds European appeal. The strategy includes promotional events in Miami and Austin in 2026.
The project, backed by TWG Motorsports since 2024, sees Lowdon ensuring FIA regulatory compliance.
Recent simulations with the development trio confirm stability in varied track conditions.
