Jock Clear Defends Hamilton’s Ferrari Start, Says Instant Title Would ‘Demean’ F1
Clear says expectations of instant glory were unrealistic.
Overview
- Former Ferrari performance engineer Jock Clear argues an immediate eighth title for Lewis Hamilton after his switch from Mercedes would have belittled the sport.
- Clear stresses that driver-team integration takes time, citing his firsthand experience working with Hamilton at both Mercedes and Ferrari.
- Hamilton’s 2025 season yielded no grand prix podiums, with a lone Sprint victory in China breaking up a difficult campaign.
- To illustrate patience, Clear references Carlos at Williams, noting perceptions after five races contrasted with form by season’s end.
- Clear expects Hamilton to use the winter to aid Ferrari’s development and return stronger in 2026 as the new regulations take effect.