Why Leclerc is champion material + why F1 rookies are shining – with Ferrari’s Jock Clear
Oct 6, 2024
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Jock Clear, Head of the Ferrari Driver Academy and coach to Charles Leclerc, shares insights on Leclerc's impressive 2024 season, highlighting the mental coaching that boosts his confidence. He discusses the rise of talented F1 rookies like Ollie Bearman, emphasizing the impact of advanced training and technology. Jock also advocates for increasing female participation in motorsport, addressing the challenges and the importance of mentorship. Expect fascinating tales from the heart of Formula 1’s driver development!
Charles Leclerc's success in 2024 is attributed to improved race management and a competitive dynamic with teammate Carlos Sainz.
The rise of successful F1 rookies reflects the effectiveness of driver academies and advanced simulator technology in their preparation.
Deep dives
Daniel Ricciardo's Departure and Impact
The emotional departure of Daniel Ricciardo from Red Bull has left a significant mark on the F1 community, with many fans and commentators voicing their sadness over his exit. Daniel's positive outlook on racing and life was highlighted, especially his ability to find joy even in difficult situations, exemplified by his memorable response during a challenging race in Spa. Despite not receiving the send-off he deserved, his infectious attitude and competitive spirit were recognized, suggesting that his presence will be greatly missed in the sport. Reflecting on his past success, many believe there's an unfinished narrative regarding what he could have achieved had he stayed with Red Bull, as his most impressive performances were historically linked to that team.
Charles Leclerc's Exceptional Season
Charles Leclerc is experiencing one of his most successful seasons in Formula One, with standout performances that have included victories at Monaco and Monza, as well as multiple podium finishes. His driver coach, Jock Clear, indicated that this success results from both a focus on car development and the driver's improvement in tire and race management skills. This shift towards emphasizing race performance over qualifying alone has significantly benefited Leclerc, demonstrating his evolution as a driver. Clear also remarked that Leclerc's competitive relationship with his teammate Carlos Sainz has further motivated him to refine his abilities on race day.
Role of Driver Coaches in F1
The role of driver coaches in Formula One has gained prominence as they provide holistic support to drivers beyond technical skills, focusing on mental and emotional aspects. Jock Clear’s experience demonstrates that a driver’s performance can be significantly influenced by environmental factors, making it essential to address drivers’ mental preparations in tandem with technical training. By ensuring that drivers are in the right mindset before critical sessions, coaches like Clear help enhance overall performance consistency. This dynamic shows the evolution of driver support in F1, drawing parallels to other sports where coaching has long included psychological preparation.
The Rise of F1 Rookies and New Talent
The recent influx of successful rookies in Formula One underscores the increasing efficacy of driver academies and the preparation provided through simulators. Notably, drivers like Oscar Piastri and Oli Behrman have made impressive debuts, with advancements in simulator technology allowing them to hit the ground running, even without extensive testing. Jock Clear highlighted how these modern tools bridge the gap between junior formulas and F1, facilitating a smoother transition for new drivers to perform effectively from their first races. The strong performances of these young talents suggest a future where the competitive landscape of F1 continues to thrive with fresh faces.
Jock Clear, Head of the Ferrari Driver Academy and Charles Leclerc’s driver coach, joins Tom Clarkson and Natalie Pinkham on F1 Nation to talk all things Leclerc and the latest crop of F1 rookies.
What does the role of driver coach entail? Why is Leclerc having such a strong season in 2024? And does he have everything he needs to become a World Champion?
Jock also explains how he helps rookies like Ollie Bearman get ready for the pinnacle of motorsport, what impact simulators have on their preparation and why there are no shortcuts when it comes to creating opportunities for women in Formula 1.
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*** INSIDE DANIEL RICCIARDO’S DEPARTURE AND LIAM LAWSON’S RETURN
In the previous episode of F1 Nation, Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner tells Tom Clarkson and Damon Hill why they’ve made the decision to replace Daniel Ricciardo with Liam Lawson at VCARB for the rest of 2024.
OLLIE BEARMAN: JUST GETTING STARTED Ferrari Driver Academy’s Ollie Bearman shares fascinating insight into his Formula 1 debut and how he’s preparing for his first full season with Haas in 2025 on F1 Beyond The Grid.
*** BE THERE WHEN THE 2024 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION IS CROWNED
Tickets for the US Grand Prix in Texas, the Las Vegas Grand Prix and F1 ACADEMY weekends in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are available now at tickets.formula1.com
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