In Pixar’s Cars 3, who becomes the new Piston Cup champion after the final race?

Cruz Ramirez becomes the new Piston Cup champion after the final race in Pixar’s Cars 3.

McQueen begins the film determined to prove that he can still defeat the younger, technologically advanced Jackson Storm. During training, however, Cruz discovers that she has the ability to race at the highest level. McQueen ultimately gives her his racing identity and encourages her to enter the final competition.

Cruz wins the race after taking McQueen’s place, while McQueen adopts Doc Hudson’s classic racing colors and begins a new role as her crew chief. The ending makes the championship a shared continuation of McQueen’s legacy rather than a simple defeat for him.

Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo. Jackson Storm is the film’s principal rival, but he does not win the final race. The result also distinguishes Cars 3 from the earlier films, where McQueen is the central championship racer.