Simon Pagenaud, the former IndyCar champion, is making a notable comeback to motorsport with Cadillac F1, two years after a devastating crash forced his retirement. He has been appointed as a simulator driver for the American racing team, set to enter Formula 1 in 2026.
Career-Ending Crash
Pagenaud’s IndyCar career came to an abrupt halt in mid-2023 due to a severe crash during a practice session at Mid-Ohio. While traveling at approximately 185 miles per hour, his brakes failed, causing his vehicle to go airborne. The incident resulted in multiple flips and a collision with a barrier, leaving the car upside down. Thanks to the quick response from trackside officials, Pagenaud emerged unscathed, but the aftereffects ultimately ended his racing career.
Emotional Reflection
In a candid discussion on a YouTube video produced by General Motors and Cadillac F1, Pagenaud opened up about the emotional impact of the crash. He described the moment of failure: “I hit the brake pedal as I usually would, but it went all the way to the floor.” He expressed how the unexpected nature of the incident shattered his trust in the sport.
Achievements in IndyCar
Before his retirement, Pagenaud had significant success in IndyCar, particularly during his tenure with Team Penske from 2015 to 2021. He clinched the IndyCar championship in 2016, securing five victories in that season. Additionally, Pagenaud achieved one of his career highlights by winning the 103rd Indy 500 in 2019.
Recovery and Challenges
Pagenaud’s initial days with Cadillac F1 were marked by physical challenges. He experienced symptoms such as migraines, motion sickness, and memory loss, likely remnants of his earlier crash. “The first day on the simulator was rough,” he recalled, but he noted improvements over time.
Role at Cadillac F1
At 41, Pagenaud is viewed as a vital asset for Cadillac F1 as they prepare for their upcoming F1 debut. His expertise in simulator driving plays a crucial role, especially since the team has no actual car available for testing. The data gathered from the simulator is crucial for the team’s development.
Future Prospects
Although Pagenaud has transitioned from racing to a technical role, he emphasizes that he is “not done with racing.” His contributions will greatly influence the performance of Cadillac F1 vehicles, particularly during preseason tests involving drivers such as Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in 2026.
- Driver: Simon Pagenaud
- Previous Team: Team Penske
- Championship Title: 2016 IndyCar Champion
- Indy 500 Win: 2019
- Cadillac F1 Entry: 2026
