Cadillac Ramps Up F1 Team: Ex-F1 Driver Pietro Fittipaldi Joins as Development Driver

Former Formula One driver Pietro Fittipaldi has officially announced his role as a development driver for the Cadillac F1 team, a collaboration that has been ongoing for "the past few months." Fittipaldi, grandson of F1 and IndyCar legend Emerson Fittipaldi, expressed his pride in joining such an iconic brand.

Why it matters:

Cadillac's move to integrate an experienced F1 driver like Fittipaldi early in their development phase signals a serious commitment to their 2026 F1 entry. His insights from actual F1 race experience are invaluable for simulator testing and refining the car before its debut, underscoring Cadillac's ambition to be competitive from the outset.

The details:

• Early Involvement: Fittipaldi revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he has been working with Cadillac for several months, actively contributing to the development of their 2026 F1 car.
• Development Focus: His primary role involves extensive simulator testing and full Grand Prix simulations, crucial for fine-tuning the car's performance ahead of its inaugural race in Australia in 2026.
• F1 Experience: Fittipaldi brings direct F1 race experience, having competed in the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix for Haas F1 as a substitute for the injured Romain Grosjean. He also has a strong background in WEC.
• Expanding Roster: Fittipaldi joins other key personnel, including star signing Sergio Perez, who is also reportedly active in Cadillac's simulator work.
• Strategic Hires: Cadillac has been making significant strategic hires, including former Audi engine chief Adam Baker and Tyler Epp, former Miami Grand Prix President, as Global Head of Commercial Strategy. These appointments further strengthen the team's technical and commercial foundations.

Looking Ahead:

Cadillac's proactive approach in securing experienced talent and dedicating resources to early development indicates a strong intent to build a formidable F1 team. While their full works team entry with General Motors engines is slated for 2028, the preparations for 2026 are already in full swing.

• The early engagement of drivers like Fittipaldi and Perez in simulator development is critical for gathering real-world feedback and accelerating the design process.
• These strategic moves, from driver recruitment to key technical and commercial appointments, collectively position Cadillac as a serious contender aiming to make a significant impact on the F1 grid.