Which character becomes Lightning McQueen’s racing successor in Pixar’s Cars 3?

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

Cruz begins the film as a high-performance trainer at the Rust-eze Racing Center. She is assigned to help McQueen prepare for competition against Jackson Storm, a younger racer whose speed and advanced technology threaten McQueen’s career.

Cruz has racing ambitions of her own, but she has been discouraged from pursuing them. During the film’s climax, McQueen gives her the opportunity to race in his place. She defeats Storm and wins the Florida 500, establishing herself as a new leading racer.

The ending does not remove McQueen from the story. Instead, it presents a transition: Cruz takes on the race-car role while McQueen becomes a mentor, echoing the guidance Doc Hudson once gave him. Cruz is voiced by Cristela Alonzo, and her yellow design contrasts visually with McQueen’s red body.