Former Ferrari engineer issue a shocking statement thàt ‘Hamilton must…read more
Xavier Marcos Padros, who served as Charles Leclerc’s race engineer at Ferrari from 2019 until mid-2024, has transitioned to a new role as the technical director for Cadillac’s LMDh sports car program. This program competes in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.
Marcos Padros began his motorsport career as a performance engineer with the HRT Formula 1 team from 2010 to 2012. He then joined Williams Racing in a similar capacity before moving to the United States to serve as the chief race engineer for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, he returned to Formula 1 with Scuderia Ferrari, initially as a factory-based race engineer. The following year, he became the race engineer for Charles Leclerc, a position he held until May 2024.
In May 2024, ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Ferrari announced that Marcos Padros would be reassigned to other projects within the company, and Bryan Bozzi would take over as Leclerc’s race engineer. This internal restructuring led Marcos Padros to explore new opportunities, culminating in his recent appointment with Cadillac.
As Cadillac’s new technical director, Marcos Padros will oversee all aspects of engineering, car performance, and development for the V-Series.R program. He expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I am looking forward to working with the Cadillac Racing engineering group, teams, and our chassis partner Dallara to quickly build championship-winning programs.”
This move signifies a significant shift in Marcos Padros’s career, transitioning from the fast-paced world of Formula 1 to the endurance-focused realm of sports car racing. His diverse experience across various motorsport disciplines is expected to bring valuable insights to Cadillac’s racing endeavors.
In a related development, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is set to join Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most anticipated in recent years. Reflecting on this transition, Marcos Padros commented, “Hamilton must adapt to the unique culture and dynamics of Ferrari. Every team operates differently, and success often hinges on how well a driver integrates into the team’s environment.”
He further elaborated on the challenges Hamilton might face, stating, “Ferrari has a rich history and a passionate fan base. The expectations are immense. For Hamilton, it will be crucial to understand and embrace this culture, work closely with the engineers, and adapt his driving style to the car’s characteristics. It’s not just about driving fast; it’s about becoming a part of the Ferrari family.”
Marcos Padros’s insights highlight the complexities involved in such high-profile transitions. His own move from Formula 1 to Cadillac’s LMDh program underscores the adaptability required in motorsport careers. As he takes on this new challenge, the motorsport community will be keen to see how his expertise influences Cadillac’s performance in the upcoming endurance racing seasons.
Meanwhile, Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His ability to adapt to a new team environment and car dynamics will play a pivotal role in his pursuit of an eighth World Championship title. As both Marcos Padros and Hamilton embark on these new chapters in their careers, their journeys will undoubtedly provide compelling narratives in the world of motorsport.
