In Pixar's Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez wins the final race after Lightning McQueen gives up his turn.
Lightning initially plans to compete against Jackson Storm, but he changes strategy during the Florida 500. He tells Cruz to take over for him, allowing her to race Storm. Cruz uses the training and confidence she developed with Lightning to win the event.
The ending reframes victory as mentorship rather than simply personal achievement. Lightning does not disappear from racing; he adopts a new role supporting Cruz while continuing to train and compete in a different way. The result also completes Cruz's arc from hesitant trainer to successful racer.
Cruz Ramirez is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Jackson Storm remains the principal rival in the race, while Sally Carrera is Lightning's friend and romantic interest and Natalie Certain is a racing analyst. Those characters are therefore not the final-race winner.