Jock Clear picks between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in equal cars after working with both

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton compared with 'natural talent' deciding factor - Motorsport - Sports - Daily Express US

Clear, 62, is one of the most respected figures in the F1 paddock, having worked at teams like Benetton, Williams, Mercedes and Ferrari.

During his career, the Englishman has worked with several high-profile names, including Hamilton, Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve and Nico Rosberg.

Recently, Clear was working closely with Ferrari star Charles Leclerc as his driving coach before leaving the team at the end of 2025.

Jock Clear picks between Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton in equal cars

Speaking to Sky Sports reporter Rachel Brookes in her new book, ‘F1 Racing Drive’, Clear was asked to name his F1 GOAT.

The 62-year-old went on to state that only Hamilton, Schumacher and Ayrton Senna are the contenders in the conversation and went on to claim that Schumacher would come out on top if the trio raced in the same car.

Brookes wrote: “So, who is Jock’s GOAT, having worked with Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Jacques Villeneuve, and Nico Rosberg, among others? Does he have a standout?

“He replies, the contenders are only probably Lewis, Michael and Ayrton, you have to decide what the sport looks like in each of those eras.

“If you decide the average was around 1997 and you put them all in the 1997 world championship, in the same car, who would win? I think Michael would, that’s just my gut feeling, because he covered everything so completely.

“But, does that make him the GOAT? He certainly wasn’t the most talented, and he would accept that, but then I suppose the GOAT has to be the one who wins championships. I can’t answer it.”

Jock Clear says Lewis Hamilton is ‘enjoying’ his second season with Ferrari

Hamilton, 41, endured a tough debut season with Ferrari, finishing sixth in the world championship standings, 86 points behind Leclerc.

However, the seven-time world champion has produced much-improved performances in 2026, securing his first podium for the team in China.

Speaking last month, Clear stated that Hamilton is now starting to enjoy driving a Ferrari.

Clear said to Peter Windsor: “With a year’s experience at Ferrari now, building relationships, and getting some of his input into the development, you’ve seen the difference this year. I’m not talking about lap time; that speaks for itself.

“But Lewis’ whole demeanour. He’s enjoying himself this year because he’s got a car that he feels a bit more confident with. And once you’ve got the confidence, you can really push further. That’s when you find out what the limitations are, then you can address those, and it becomes an organic development.”