With the countdown underway for Cadillac’s entry into Formula 1, scheduled in less than a couple of months, the incoming 11th team is leveraging the power of virtual simulations to fine-tune their inaugural car design and train their pit crew.
Cadillac has formally presented a roster of simulator specialists, featuring the skills of 2016 IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud, Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood, and Pietro Fittipaldi, a driver with two F1 race starts, who will collectively contribute within General Motors’ simulator facilities in Charlotte.
This skilled trio has been pivotal in helping Cadillac execute comprehensive race weekend simulations spanning numerous Grand Prix events following the Barcelona round in June, all orchestrated from mission control rooms situated at their operational hubs in Silverstone and Charlotte.
Colton Herta has also committed as a development driver, while 2026 racer Sergio Perez has commenced collaborating with the outfit in recent weeks. Cadillac will need to exercise patience to secure the services of Perez’s teammate Valtteri Bottas, currently under contract with Mercedes as a reserve driver.
However, in spite of a solid driver strategy, Cadillac’s immediate hurdle lies in the lack of tangible components. Under the leadership of former Manor figure Lowdon, the team is being created from the ground up, simultaneously designing a car that adheres to the revolutionary 2026 regulations, which are not expected to debut on the track until the upcoming year.
This situation may evolve soon, if Lowdon’s plans materialize. The team is actively pursuing a deal with Ferrari, its designated 2026 engine provider, to procure one of Ferrari’s older vehicles. The primary objective is not to assess the car’s performance but to evaluate and refine the team’s mechanical procedures.
“We have been examining the possibilities for testing a team can undertake within the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) regulations,” Lowdon disclosed to Autosport prior to the Singapore Grand Prix.
Valtteri Bottas with Graeme Lowdon
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“While we don’t currently possess a previous car, the designation is actually somewhat imprecise, because our primary focus is not on car assessment; it is of secondary importance.
“In actuality, we are primarily interested in current team testing. We intend to utilize a vehicle to enhance the simulations by ensuring the highest possible degree of authenticity.
“I suspect there might be some misinterpretation regarding the possibility of gaining an unfair advantage by testing a car from another team, however, we are not performing car testing; instead, we are focused on the personnel.
“Our intention is indeed to acquire a competitive edge, albeit unrelated to the performance characteristics of the vehicle. The edge we are seeking is for our mechanics to attain the same level of proficiency and practical expertise as their counterparts in the pit lane, who interact with these vehicles on a daily basis.”
In a worst-case scenario, Cadillac might explore utilizing one of its LMDh cars involved in endurance racing for pitstop training. However, the American team is dedicated to meticulously recreating the conditions of their F1 debut, down to the most minute aspects, and seeks the most accurate replication of a current F1 car.
“It’s essential that the mechanics become adept at the automatic responses necessary for operating an F1 vehicle,” he elaborated. “This encompasses proficiency in attaching tire blankets, understanding the car’s dimensions, managing the heat emanating from the vehicle, and familiarizing oneself with its overall presence.
Cadillac Formula 1 Team Simulating a race weekend in preparation for 2026
Photo by: Cadillac Communications
“Having previously managed the establishment of a team multiple times, I can affirm the paramount importance of striving for the most realistic simulation of all facets.”
Lowdon verified that pursuing an agreement with Ferrari “would be the logical decision”, necessitating approval from the FIA for Ferrari to loan their vehicle to a competitor. However, given the specified requirements, a significantly older model than the two-year-old TPC car would suffice.
“As a customer of Ferrari, it would be sensible,” he conceded. “Nonetheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that we’re not seeking any technical insights from the car itself. I genuinely have no preference, provided that the dimensions and configuration are generally accurate. Its sole purpose is simulation, so even the paint scheme is inconsequential.
“In the event that we were to borrow a car from another team, the team in question would need to secure authorization from the FIA for us to utilize their vehicle. We are keeping the FIA fully informed about every step of our process, ensuring complete transparency.”
