Clear says Leclerc will respond to Hamilton's Ferrari revival

Former Ferrari engineer Jock Clear says Charles Leclerc is not one to shirk a challenge after his rivalry with Lewis Hamilton ignited at the recent Mexican Grand Prix. Clear believes Hamilton's improved form in 2026 will push Leclerc to redouble his efforts and keep improving.

Leclerc outscored Hamilton by 86 points in the inter-team battle in 2025, a season Hamilton endured as the worst of his career. Hamilton has been stronger this year, claiming his first Ferrari victory in Barcelona before Leclerc won at Silverstone. Hamilton holds a 12-point lead with three races remaining, following a clash between the pair in Mexico for which Leclerc was penalised.

Clear, who has worked with both drivers, said Ferrari has shown it can challenge with either driver and that the current dynamic is exactly what the team wanted from Hamilton's arrival.