Cadillac's Formula 1 project gives Simon Pagenaud a new career role

Former IndyCar champion Simon Pagenaud, who suffered a severe crash in 2023 that left him with lasting neurological symptoms, has taken a central position in Cadillac's new Formula 1 programme. After months of vertigo and difficulty using the team's simulator, Pagenaud says the work on the car’s development has helped rebuild his sense of purpose and identity.

Cadillac’s F1 effort is being built around experienced drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez. Bottas recently endured a brake‑failure incident in Hungary, forcing him to stop the car by hitting a barrier, while Perez rates his season highly but questions the team's development speed. Former Dutch racers Renger van der Zande and Jan Lammers have voiced opposing views on whether the team should continue relying on seasoned drivers or introduce younger talent such as Colton Herta once the car becomes competitive.