Charles Leclerc’s ex-race engineer Xavi Marcos has claimed that the Ferrari driver possesses all the essential attributes in his repertoire to become a great in Formula 1.
Marcos served as the voice in Leclerc’s ear from the latter’s debut with Ferrari in 2019 up until Bryan Bozzi replaced him in the role six races into the previous campaign.
Despite the mid-season switch, Leclerc still sustained his most productive F1 campaign to date as 13 podiums, including three race victories, totalled a career-best 356 points.
However, Ferrari’s protracted title drought continued as Leclerc wound up third, while McLaren pipped the Italian marque to the Constructors’ Championship by 14 points.
But Leclerc, who is about to begin his seventh season with the team, is convinced Ferrari’s promising season has stood it in good stead to go one better in the upcoming campaign.
And even with seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, Marcos has no doubt that Leclerc has the tools to be the one to return the Maranello-based squad to the top.
“Charles is an exceptional driver, he has a truly incredible natural talent,” Marcos told formula1.it.
“His strength is being able to adapt immediately to the car in his hands and being able to tell everything that happens while driving.
“He pushes set-up changes a lot, even beyond normal limits or what the engineers suggest. As a technician he’s fun, you can think outside the box.
“He’s grown so much in racing, he’s strong in tyre management, for me he’s OK in everything. He’s ready to be really great.”
Leclerc has ‘remained humble’ at Ferrari
Alongside his talent behind the wheel, Marcos also lavished praise on Leclerc’s character, citing that he hasn’t changed despite the global recognition he attracts.
“I had a lot of fun with him, we started together in Ferrari and I respect him very much,” the Spaniard added.
“I love him very much. As a person he is really simple, polite and has always treated me well.
“He also always remained normal, humble. You know, when you’re young, famous and you’re in Ferrari it’s easy to change. Not him, he’s to be admired for that.”
Marcos, who has since departed Ferrari to become the Technical Director of Cadillac’s sportscar operation, revealed that he has remained in regular contact with Leclerc.
“We are in a good relationship to this day, we hear from each other a lot,” he continued. “I love him and he knows I am and will always be available, for everything he needs.”
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