In Pixar’s Cars 3, who becomes Cruz Ramirez’s mentor?

Lightning McQueen becomes Cruz Ramirez’s mentor in Pixar’s Cars 3.

Cruz begins the film as McQueen’s high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. Although she is assigned to help him prepare for a comeback, their roles gradually change as McQueen recognizes her own racing ability.

McQueen mentors Cruz during their journey and training sessions, helping her gain confidence and embrace her ambition to compete. Their relationship becomes the emotional center of the film’s second half.

Cruz is a yellow sport coupe voiced by Cristela Alonzo. The story does not present her simply as McQueen’s replacement: it develops a partnership in which McQueen passes on experience while Cruz brings new energy and skill. Cruz ultimately receives a major opportunity in the Piston Cup.