IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud has confirmed he is working for Cadillac on their simulator programme to prepare for their entry into Formula 1 next year.
Pagenaud won the IndyCar title in 2016 and the Indianapolis 500 three years later but left the series after a serious crash in 2023. His car was launched into a barrel-roll when he suffered brake failure during practice at Mid-Ohio, leaving Pagenaud severely concussed.
His work with Cadillac resumes a long association with General Motors. Pagenaud used Chevrolet engines during much of his 12-year IndyCar career, including for 11 of his 15 victories, the last of which came at Iowa in 2020.
Pagenaud has been working on the team’s simulator at its base in Charlotte, North Carolina, to develop the tools it will need to refine its F1 cars.
“Our work in the simulator in Charlotte is extremely important to building the team,” said team principal Graeme Lowdon. “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.”
Pagenaud, who hasn’t raced since his Mid-Ohio crash two years ago, said he has enjoyed being able to contribute to a motorsport programme again.
“Optimising the technical side of a car and managing relationships with the people in the factory has been my passion ever since I started racing,” he said. “I really enjoy talking to the engineers, developing the simulator, and making it as realistic as possible.
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“This work gives me a feeling of being useful and bringing in my expertise, something that was missing somehow since my accident.”
Cadillac previously confirmed another IndyCar race-winner, Colton Herta, will serve as their test driver during their inaugural season. Herta, who finished runner-up in last year’s IndyCar championship, will also compete in Formula 2 next year as he aims to earn enough FIA superlicence points to race in F1.
Pagenaud’s Mid-Ohio crash
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