“Stockholm syndrome” – Fans baffled by Charles Leclerc’s decision to retain infamous race engineer Xavi for 2024
Charles Leclerc has been working with Xavi since he was promoted to Ferrari in 2019.
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Charles Leclerc (R) and his race engineer, Xavier Marcos Padros (L) (Via Change.org)
Scuderia Ferrari has been making headlines lately. The Italian team announced the arrival of Lewis Hamilton in 2025. As such, it is evident that Maranello is going through a massive overhaul under the leadership of Fred Vasseuer. However, it seems that Charles Leclerc will stick with the same race engineer for the upcoming season.
Xavier Marcos Padros, more commonly known as ‘Xavi’ has been Leclerc’s race engineer since the Monegasque joined Ferrari in 2019. However, there have been some frustrating moments for Charles Leclerc with Xavi in recent years.
Nevertheless, as per reports, Charles Leclerc wanted to continue working with Xavier in the upcoming season. The 26-year-old has built a strong relationship with the Spaniard over the years. As such, Leclerc has made it clear that he wants to work with Xavi for the time to come.
Fans unhappy with Charles Leclerc for keeping Xavi
Fans on X shared their views on Leclerc’s decision. One disappointed user reckoned that Charles Leclerc was suffering from “Stockholm syndrome,” a condition where a victim begins to empathize with their abuser. Another user claimed that the pain would never end for fans of the Monegasque driver. The fan wrote, “The pain for us never ends.”
Moreover, one fan went as far as saying that Leclerc has lost his chance at the 2024 F1 title with this decision. The fan commented, “Well. There goes his chance at a championship.” While another user hoped that Charles Leclerc would hear from Xavi this season apart from the infamous “We’re Checking” radio message from the Ferrari pit wall.
The pain for us never ends.
— Anas (@Anoss_06) February 3, 2024
Well. There goes his chance at a championship.
— Gami Bright | GameGami49 (@JohnTheoto) February 3, 2024
Give Xavi a lifetime subscription to a resort in the Bahamas at this point
— Alpine ruine ma vie (@Arpenaz_) February 4, 2024
This makes no sense
— Gordon (@greedygordonn) February 4, 2024
Charles, come on! He’s gotta move on from this guy, it’s so obvious to everyone outside he doesn’t cut it!
— Paolo Maselli (@PMComet) February 3, 2024
well let’s hope he can start saying anything other than copy
— lesly ? (@bayarealeclerc) February 3, 2024
Oh no ?♂️
— Patrick Ricu (@patrickricu) February 3, 2024
They are checking and will let you know.
— Gowtham | No ?️lan (@21gunherald) February 4, 2024
just hope xavi can give us more than "we're checking now" ?
— 아포방포⁷// FREE PALESTINE ?? (@kookiepedia) February 4, 2024
Stockholm syndrome
— ? (@Styxiant) February 3, 2024
Certainly, Charles Leclerc’s decision might be a controversial pic considering past experiences. However, the 26-year-old trusts Xavi as the two have worked together for five seasons. As such, perhaps Leclerc and Xavi could build upon a stronger relationship in the upcoming season. Although, fans do have their doubts regarding the same.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)