Marcus Ericsson, the 2022 Indy 500 champion and former Formula 1 driver, is back in the F1 spotlight but this time he’s not getting behind the wheel. Instead, the Swedish racer has taken on a behind-the-scenes role with Cadillac as the American team prepares to enter Formula 1 in 2026.
From the Grid to the Simulator
Ericsson’s name probably won’t pop up in most F1 talks these days, but his story is pretty fascinating.
Even though he had a short stint in Formula 1 with Caterham and Sauber from 2014 to 2018, he showed a lot of talent, that’s why he moved to the US and tried to make it big in IndyCar. There, he made a big impression in just a few years, culminating in a career-defining win at the Indianapolis 500.
Now, as Cadillac is gearing up for its F1 debut next year, Ericsson will lend his racing smarts in a very modern way, by helping them refine their simulator technology.
“They’ve asked me to head to England and test different simulators,” Ericsson revealed during an interview with Viaplay’s F1 podcast. “The goal is to find the best model for their entire racing program, not just Formula 1 but IndyCar and sports cars too.”
Simulators are not exactly the glamorous side of motorsport, but make no mistake – they’re essential. In today’s data-driven racing world, the right simulator setup can be the difference between success and frustration.
“It’s cool to be part of something this big,” Ericsson added. “These tools have become so important, and I’m happy they see value in what I can contribute.”
The Bigger Picture: Building a Team
Cadillac’s arrival in Formula 1 has created plenty of buzz, and rightly so.
Backed by Andretti and General Motors, the project is ambitious, bold, and a little bit American in its swagger. But big plans come with big challenges. One of the biggest unanswered questions? Drivers.
Who will take the wheel for Cadillac F1 when they hit the grid in 2026? Who’s ready for this massive challenge ? The shortlist is already a hot topic.
Experienced F1 drivers like Valtteri Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Perez are obvious candidates, but there’s also a growing push for an American driver to represent the brand on home soil.
This brings us to Colton Herta. If you follow IndyCar, you already know the name.
Herta, who just finished second in the 2024 IndyCar standings, is fast, fearless, and exactly the kind of talent that F1 has been looking to bring in from the US.
Even Jenson Button, never shy with his opinions, is a fan. “He’s ridiculously quick,” Button said. “The moment you put him in an F1 car, he’ll be on the pace. He’s got the speed, the mindset—everything.”
The Clock Is Ticking
For Cadillac, the road to 2026 is steep, but the pieces are falling into place. They’re building a team from scratch, fine-tuning their tech, and keeping their eye on driver prospects. Ericsson’s role might seem small, but in motorsport, every detail counts.
This is not just another team joining Formula 1. This is a big statement. And with Cadillac’s ambition, Herta’s potential, and Ericsson’s quiet contributions behind the scenes, the countdown to 2026 already looks like a must-watch story.
