Former Ferrari Insider Poised for Surprise F1 Com...read more

Former Ferrari Insider Poised for Surprise F1 Com…read more

A familiar name from Ferrari’s recent Formula 1 history is set to re-emerge on the grand prix scene, as Xavi Marcos prepares for a return to the sport with Cadillac. The Spanish engineer, who once played a key role on Charles Leclerc’s side of the Ferrari garage, is embarking on a new chapter after a period away from the F1 spotlight.
Marcos was best known to fans as Leclerc’s race engineer during the Monegasque driver’s rise as Ferrari’s leading star. As the direct link between driver and pit wall, Marcos was responsible for relaying crucial information during races, helping to shape strategy calls, manage tyre performance, and guide Leclerc through some of the most intense moments of his Formula 1 career. Their partnership spanned several seasons and included podium finishes, pole positions, and memorable victories that underlined Leclerc’s status as one of the grid’s elite talents.
However, Ferrari opted for a change midway through the 2024 season. Starting from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Marcos was replaced as Leclerc’s race engineer by Bryan Bozzi. The decision marked a significant shift within Ferrari’s engineering structure and inevitably attracted attention, given the high-profile nature of Leclerc’s role within the team. While Ferrari did not publicly dwell on the reasons behind the reshuffle, such changes are often driven by a desire for fresh perspectives, improved communication, or a new strategic direction.
Following his removal from the race engineer position, Marcos chose not to remain within Ferrari’s Formula 1 setup. Instead, he made the decision to leave the Scuderia altogether, bringing an end to a long and closely watched association. Rather than stepping away from elite motorsport, Marcos quickly aligned himself with Cadillac, a manufacturer with ambitious plans and a growing presence on the global racing stage.
Over the past year, Marcos has been heavily involved in Cadillac’s endurance racing programmes. He has worked across both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, two series that demand a very different skill set from Formula 1. Endurance racing places a strong emphasis on long-term strategy, car reliability, multi-driver coordination, and adaptability across changing track and weather conditions. This experience has allowed Marcos to broaden his technical knowledge while remaining at the cutting edge of motorsport engineering.
Now, that period of preparation appears to be paying off. Marcos is set to return to Formula 1 with Cadillac, as the American manufacturer continues to lay the foundations for its future involvement in the sport. Although details of his exact role have not yet been fully clarified, his background as a race engineer and his recent endurance racing experience make him a valuable asset for any F1 project, particularly one in its formative stages.
For Marcos, the move represents both a comeback and a fresh start. Having experienced the pressure-cooker environment of Ferrari and the intensity of working with a top-tier driver like Leclerc, he brings a wealth of knowledge that could prove crucial as Cadillac builds its Formula 1 ambitions. His journey also highlights how careers in motorsport are rarely linear, with setbacks often opening the door to unexpected opportunities.
As Cadillac continues to strengthen its motorsport portfolio, Marcos’s return to Formula 1 adds another intriguing storyline to the ever-evolving F1 paddock. Once “axed” from a high-profile role at Ferrari, he now finds himself back on the grid, armed with new experience and ready to make his mark once again at the pinnacle of motorsport.