Jock Clear: Instant Hamilton Success at Ferrari Would Have 'Belittled' F1
Jock Clear says Lewis Hamilton's tough first season at Ferrari was a necessary reminder of F1's difficulty. He argues instant success would have "belittled" the sport, stressing that even legends need time to win.
Jock Clear, a key figure in Lewis Hamilton's inner circle, views the driver's winless 2025 season with Ferrari not as a failure, but as a vital affirmation of Formula 1's inherent difficulty. He argues that the struggle prevented a "fairytale" narrative that would have ultimately devalued the sport, reinforcing that success is earned, not given, even for a seven-time champion.
Why it matters:
The narrative surrounding Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of destiny and immediate success. The reality of the 2025 season serves as a powerful counter-narrative that protects the integrity of the sport. It demonstrates that no driver, no matter how great, can simply will a car to victory, maintaining the challenge and prestige of winning in F1, which is crucial for its long-term credibility.
The details:
- Historical Context: Clear, who worked with Hamilton during his dominant Mercedes years, draws a direct comparison to Michael Schumacher, whose legendary Ferrari tenure took five years before yielding a championship.
- Protecting the Sport: He states, "If Lewis arrived and just won an eighth championship, it sort of demeans or belittles the sport somewhat." The struggle, in his view, is a necessary reminder of F1's unforgiving nature.
- Modern Parallels: Clear also points to Carlos Sainz's initial struggles at Williams in 2025, noting how quickly external judgments are made before a driver has time to adapt to a new team and car.
- Hamilton's Mindset: Despite the visible frustration, Clear confirms Hamilton knew the challenge would be immense and is fully committed to the long-term project.
- He expects Hamilton to "come back stronger and harder" in 2026, focusing on development to see the project through.
Looking Ahead:
The 2025 season, while disappointing on the surface, has laid a more realistic foundation for Hamilton and Ferrari. The focus now shifts to the 2026 regulations and the development of a more competitive package. For Hamilton, the challenge is to leverage his immense experience to help translate the team's long-term ambition into tangible results, proving that his legacy is built on overcoming adversity, not avoiding it.