Source: Official Team Post via X
Nico Rosberg and Jock Clear Reflect on Their 'Clash of Styles' at Mercedes
Former Mercedes engineer Jock Clear recalls the differing work styles that led to his split with Nico Rosberg. Despite their professional differences, Clear and Rosberg have maintained a friendly relationship over the years.
Jock Clear, a former race engineer at Mercedes, recently shed light on the 'clash of styles' that characterized his working relationship with Nico Rosberg during their time together in Formula 1. While Clear served as Rosberg's race engineer in 2010, the partnership was short-lived, ending after just one season. Clear attributes their professional split to a fundamental difference in work approaches—Rosberg's preference for a calm and methodical style clashed with Clear's energetic, rugby-inspired approach. Despite this, Clear emphasized that he and Rosberg have remained good friends over the years, occasionally catching up to discuss current races and drivers.
During the 2010 season, Rosberg impressed by securing three podiums and significantly outscoring his legendary teammate Michael Schumacher. However, for the 2011 season, Clear was replaced by Tony Ross, Rosberg's former race engineer at Williams. Reflecting on this period, Clear acknowledged the stylistic differences that made their professional relationship challenging but not contentious.
Rosberg, who went on to clinch the world championship in 2016 before retiring shortly thereafter, has since transitioned into a punditry role with Sky F1, alongside pursuing various business ventures. Clear, meanwhile, moved to Ferrari in 2015, where he worked for a decade before departing in 2022.
In recent interviews, Clear has also spoken about the ongoing situation at Ferrari, where speculation swirls around the future of team principal Fred Vasseur. While Ferrari insists on full support for Vasseur, rumors of a potential leadership change continue to circulate, with names like Christian Horner and Antonello Coletta being floated as possible successors. Clear has expressed confidence in Ferrari's current trajectory, noting that the team is in a strong position following a challenging but promising 2025 season.