Mounting tensions between Charles Leclerc and his race engineer have prompted the latter's transition out of his current role at Ferrari. This development has been confirmed by well-regarded sources in the Italian media, as the Maranello-based team disclosed that Xavi Marcos, who has been Leclerc's race engineer since 2019, is transitioning to "other important company programs."
According to Alessandra Retico, a Formula 1 correspondent for La Repubblica, "more than a few times in recent years, and also in the last race in Miami, Leclerc was not entirely satisfied with his race management."
"There was some nervousness between the two, like when last year in Austin he (Leclerc) punched the steering wheel" following a directive from Marcos, who has served at Ferrari for over ten years.
"This year in China, there was a misunderstanding between them when Marcos suggested Leclerc go back to his original trajectory in a certain part of the Shanghai track," Retico noted further.
"Leclerc reacted with some bewilderment, not understanding what was being asked of him."
Moreover, Salvo Sardina, writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport, observed that "many fans have been criticising certain communication difficulties and his (Marcos') apparent lack of reactivity in key moments."
Beginning next weekend at Imola, where Ferrari plans to unveil significant car upgrades for Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Leclerc will collaborate with new race engineer Bryan Bozzi, who until recently served as his performance engineer.
The announcement coincided with Ferrari conducting tests of its key Imola car upgrade at Fiorano, whilst experimenting with new 'mudguards' in a joint effort with the FIA to mitigate spray in wet driving conditions.
