Ferrari's Jock Clear Defends Hamilton, Citing Schumacher's Early Struggles

Ferrari senior engineer Jock Clear is publicly backing Lewis Hamilton following a difficult debut season with the team, drawing parallels to Michael Schumacher's early struggles. In a separate, lighter paddock note, Red Bull ambassador Calum Nicholas was forced to deny a bizarre social media rumor about his own death.

Why it matters:

Clear's public defense is a significant show of support from within Ferrari, aiming to manage expectations for a seven-time world champion. It reinforces the narrative that Hamilton's integration is a long-term project, especially with the massive 2026 rule changes on the horizon. This historical context helps shield both the driver and the team from external criticism during a transitional period.

The details:

• Historical Parallel: Jock Clear pointed to Michael Schumacher's tough initial years at Ferrari, reminding fans that even the most successful drivers need time to adapt to a new environment and car.
• Modern Example: He also cited Carlos Sainz's struggles at Williams in 2025, where the Spaniard only managed to consistently outperform Alex Albon towards the end of the season, further illustrating that adaptation takes time even for proven talents.
• Hamilton's Season: The seven-time champion failed to secure a single podium finish in his first year with the Scuderia, with several performances falling short of expectations, particularly in the latter half of the campaign.

Looking Ahead:

The 2025 season is now being framed as a bedding-in year for Hamilton and Ferrari. The true test of this high-profile partnership will come in 2026, when new technical regulations reset the competitive order. All eyes will be on Maranello to see if the combined experience of Hamilton and the team can translate their long-term project into a genuine championship challenge.