Former Leclerc Race Engineer Xavier Marcos Joins Cadillac F1 in Key Role
Charles Leclerc's former race engineer, Xavier Marcos, has taken on a critical role as chief race engineer at the new Cadillac F1 team, set to debut in 2026. After six years at Ferrari, Marcos brings extensive experience to the American outfit, which plans to use Ferrari power units initially and will feature Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as drivers.
Xavier Marcos, Charles Leclerc's former race engineer, has taken on a pivotal role within the Cadillac F1 team as it gears up for its 2026 debut. Marcos's move to Cadillac's sportscar division was confirmed in January, following over six years at Ferrari.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's loss is Cadillac's gain. Bringing in a seasoned race engineer like Marcos, with his extensive experience at a top-tier F1 team, signals Cadillac's serious intent to be competitive from its inaugural season. This high-profile acquisition underscores the team's commitment to building a strong technical foundation, crucial for any newcomer hoping to make an immediate impact in the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1.
The details:
- New Role: Marcos has been appointed as the chief race engineer for the Cadillac F1 team.
- Ferrari Tenure: He previously served as Charles Leclerc's race engineer from Leclerc's debut season in 2019 until May 2024, achieving multiple race wins together.
- Replacement at Ferrari: Bryan Bozzi, Leclerc's former performance engineer, took over Marcos's role at Ferrari.
- F1 Expansion: Cadillac is set to become the 11th team on the F1 grid in 2026, coinciding with the introduction of new technical regulations.
- Engine Supply: Cadillac will initially utilize power units supplied by Ferrari, while General Motors develops its own engine for future seasons.
- Driver Lineup: The team's maiden campaign is slated to feature Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas as drivers.
- Team Leadership: Graeme Lowdon will lead the Cadillac F1 squad as the team principal.
What's next:
Marcos's expertise will be invaluable as Cadillac prepares its entry into Formula 1. His deep understanding of F1 car performance, strategy, and driver communication, honed during his time at Ferrari, will be crucial in building the team's operational framework. As Cadillac continues to assemble its personnel and infrastructure, this appointment is a clear statement of intent. The team aims to hit the ground running in 2026, and a chief race engineer with F1 winning experience is a significant step towards achieving that ambition. All eyes will be on how this new American outfit leverages its growing talent pool in the lead-up to their highly anticipated debut.