In the second part of an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Xavier Marcos Padros, current technical director of Cadillac’s LMDh sportscar program, discussed his journey to, with, and from Ferrari, alongside the future of the team, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in red.
The journey to Ferrari and Tifosi culture
Despite getting his first taste of Formula 1 in 2010, Marcos Padros’ transition to Ferrari in 2018 marked a defining moment in his career. After beginning initially in a factory-based role, he quickly transitioned to working trackside, supporting both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen in their SF71Hs.
“Initially, I started a bit of factory and then between both cars, Sebastian [Vettel] and [Kimi] Räikkönen.
“It was a big step because it’s the biggest team I’ve worked with until that point. And being in red is special, as always.”
For him, joining Ferrari was more than just a step up, it was a cultural shift. The Maranello-based team are a household name, carry historical status, and are supported by their passionate Tifosi.
Being a Ferrari fan himself, he noted how even the ‘everyday’ moments in Maranello reminded him of the team’s significance.
“You go to the factory and there are always fans outside.
“You go to the restaurants in Maranello. If you are somehow in one of the cars, they know you. For sure, there’s more pressure.
“So not just Ferrari inside, Ferrari outside, Maranello, the people around. It’s another big shock. The first one is coming into Formula One and the second one coming into Ferrari.”
“It’s not easy” to beat Charles Leclerc
Leaving Sauber in 2019, Charles Leclerc joined Ferrari alongside four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, and it was here that Xavier Marcos Padros became Leclerc’s race engineer.
Throughout their five years working together, the pair became close, and Marcos Padros gained a deep appreciation for the Monegasque’s talent and work ethic.
Leclerc’s growth within the team has been remarkable, from his maiden, bittersweet win at Spa in 2019, to more recent dominance on track with victories in Monza and Monaco.
He highlighted Leclerc’s ability to extract the maximum from the car, even in challenging conditions.
“It’s not easy to beat Charles,” he says underscoring the challenge that Leclerc’s new teammate, Lewis Hamilton, will face in Ferrari throughout the 2025 season.
A new chapter for Ferrari with Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari’s culture is unique in Formula 1. The team carries a weight of expectation that few other teams can match, and with Hamilton joining for 2025 following the decision not to renew the contract of Carlos Sainz, there’s additional excitement for the season to start.
The seven-time world champion’s arrival at Maranello has sparked debate on how he’ll adapt to the team, and whether he can challenge Leclerc.
Marcos Padros shared his thoughts towards the structure change, noting: “For the team, I don’t think it will be an issue. Ferrari, again, is special, but every team is just different.
“It will take a while for him (Hamilton) to adapt to the Ferrari style, as everyone. For sure, Lewis is great, so I don’t think he will have any issues.
“Charles is in a really high level, and I am really curious to see how it will be for the first race.”
Historically, adapting to Ferrari has been a challenge even for the sport’s greatest drivers.
Vettel struggled to replicate his Red Bull success during his time at Ferrari, and Fernando Alonso also fell short of a championship with the team. To succeed, Hamilton will need to adapt to Ferrari’s unique culture and the dynamics of working alongside Leclerc.
The shock of Hamilton’s move to the team
Marcos Padros revealed that he was just as surprised as everyone else when news of Hamilton’s move broke.
“No, no, no. I heard at the same time as everyone else,” he revealed. “Yeah, but that’s Formula One, no?”
Co-author: Karishma Persad
