Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are the two most decorated drivers in Formula 1 history, but the pair of seven-time world champions could not be more different, according to an engineer who worked with both.
Schumacher won his world titles with Benetton before moving to Ferrari, where he turned the Scuderia into an empire with his relentless determination. Hamilton, by contrast, won six of his titles at Mercedes through meticulous development, perfecting the most dominant era in the sport's history.
Engineer's Unique Perspective
Former Ferrari and Mercedes engineer Jock Clear is best placed to answer the GOAT debate, having worked with both icons. Clear worked closely with Schumacher during the German legend's return to the sport at Mercedes.
After admitting he "almost hated" Schumacher during the late 1990s while race engineer for his title rival Jacques Villeneuve, Clear grew close with Schumacher when the driver requested to work with him. After Schumacher's exit from Mercedes in 2012, Clear later worked with Hamilton in 2013 and 2014 before departing to join Ferrari, where he was briefly reunited with the Brit last year.
Key Differences Revealed
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via betselect.co.uk, Clear deliberated about the difference between the two icons and what set them apart from the rest.
He said: "I think the commonality is exceptional dedication. When drivers say, 'I'm doing everything I can,' I think, trust me, mate, you are not doing everything you can.
"I've worked with Michael and Lewis; that's doing everything you can. But they're very different to each other. Lewis wears his heart on his sleeve, Michael didn't.
"You see Lewis' emotions; you see when he's upset, you see when he's happy. Michael was much more private.
Building Teams Differently
"What works for Lewis works for Lewis, and what works for Michael works for Michael. Both can bring a team on, build a team around themselves, in different ways.
"When you've got seven championships, you're at a level nobody else has been at, and that brings a level of credibility and respectability.
"There's a bit of stardust. I saw it when I worked with Senna, and I certainly saw it when I worked with Michael.
"I saw the same when I started working with Hamilton. There's a sparkle there. It's almost intangible."
