P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Charles Leclerc’s old Ferrari F1 engineer has a very different – but significant – new job with Cadillac
Xavier Marcos Padros helped Charles Leclerc achieve five race victories and 23 poles in Formula 1 from 2019 to 2024. He also has experience as a race-winning engineer in NASCAR. Now, Marcos has taken on a new role as Cadillac’s technical director for its sportscar program, which includes the World Endurance Championship and IMSA.
Transitioning from overseeing one car in an F1 team to managing three teams and up to four cars per race in a competitive sportscar field presents a significant shift for Marcos. His experience at Williams, Ferrari, and in NASCAR makes him well-suited for this new challenge at Cadillac, based in Charlotte.
As he adapts to his role, Marcos is focused on coordinating multiple teams and developing cars simultaneously, alongside managing program processes. He acknowledges the differences in culture and level of detail involved in sportscar racing compared to his previous F1 and NASCAR experiences.
Despite the differences, Marcos embraces the opportunity to implement F1 processes in Cadillac’s sportscar program to enhance efficiency and performance. His role as technical director involves overseeing engineering, ensuring smooth operations across multiple teams, and driving car development amid stiff competition.
The WEC and IMSA, with their diverse manufacturer representation, present a stimulating environment for Marcos to apply his expertise and contribute to Cadillac’s sportscar success. His transition from a race engineer to a technical director underscores his adaptability and leadership in navigating the complexities of sportscar racing.
