Veteran Ferrari Engineer Jock Clear Reportedly Set to Depart by 2025

The Big Picture

Ferrari's Formula 1 team faces a significant technical shift as reports suggest veteran performance engineer Jock Clear is set to leave the Scuderia by the end of the 2025 season. This unconfirmed news from Italy's Corriere dello Sport marks a potential shake-up for the Maranello outfit.

Why It Matters

Clear has been a pivotal figure in Ferrari's engineering and driver development programs for over a decade. His departure would create a notable void in the team's structure, particularly as they battle for top positions in the Constructors' Championship and continue to nurture young talent.

Clear's Extensive Background

• Joined Ferrari: 2014
• Prior Teams: Benetton, Williams, Honda, Brawn GP, Mercedes
• Key Roles: Race engineer for Jacques Villeneuve (1997 championship winner); worked closely with world champions Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, and Lewis Hamilton.
• At Ferrari: Served as chief performance engineer, driver coach to Charles Leclerc, and oversaw the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), developing talents like Oliver Bearman and Dino Beganovic.

What's Next?

Ferrari has yet to make any formal announcement regarding Clear's future. His next destination, should he leave, remains unknown.

Marc Gené Poised to Lead Driver Academy

• Successor Speculation: If Clear's exit materializes, long-time Ferrari ambassador Marc Gené is reportedly set to assume leadership of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
• Gené's Credentials: The 51-year-old Spaniard has a rich motorsport history:
  • Competed in 36 F1 races for Minardi and Williams (1999-2000, 2003-04).
  • Served as a Ferrari test driver (2005-2010).
  • Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009 with Peugeot.

Gené's deep ties to Ferrari, combined with his technical expertise and racing pedigree, make him a fitting candidate to guide the team’s young driver program.