In Pixar's Cars 3, which character ultimately races for the Rust-eze team?

In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez ultimately races for the Rust-eze team.

Cruz begins as Lightning McQueen's trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She is a talented yellow race car whose confidence has been limited by her belief that she is not suited to compete. During the film, McQueen's training relationship with Cruz changes as both characters confront assumptions about age, ability, and what a racing career can look like.

After Cruz proves her speed and determination, she takes McQueen's place in the Florida 500 against Jackson Storm. McQueen then supports her from the pit area, and Cruz wins the race. The ending shows her continuing as a professional racer while McQueen adopts a mentorship role and races in Doc Hudson-inspired colors.

Cruz Ramirez is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Her victory does not erase McQueen's importance to the team; instead, it creates a new partnership between two racers at different stages of their careers. Rust-eze remains the team and sponsor name associated with McQueen and Cruz.