Hamilton Doubles Down on Simulator Stance After Canada Podium

Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he will continue to bypass the Ferrari simulator for the remainder of the season after securing a strong second-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion firmly believes his traditional, old-school approach to race weekends is the key to unlocking better performance on track.

Why it matters:

In an era where simulators are considered essential for modern Formula 1 driver preparation and car development, Hamilton's refusal to use one challenges the conventional wisdom. His improved results without virtual preparation suggest that finding the right driving feel can sometimes outweigh data gathered in the sim, particularly for a veteran adapting to a new team environment.

The details:

• Hamilton first hinted at dropping the simulator after a disappointing sixth-place finish in Miami, a strategy that paid off with podiums in both Shanghai and Montreal.
• He emphasized that throughout most of his championship-winning seasons, he rarely relied on simulators, noting that the virtual tool carries "too many risks" for his natural driving style.
• While he acknowledges the sim's value for the team's test drivers, Hamilton believes his real-world feedback provides far more accurate data for Ferrari's engineers to address current package deficiencies.
• Ferrari altered their car setup in Canada based on recent data analysis, finally allowing Hamilton to attack corners naturally and engage in a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with Max Verstappen.

What's next:

Hamilton remains committed to helping Ferrari develop their package, but he will do so from the cockpit rather than the virtual facility. As the season progresses, the focus shifts to whether this old-school method can consistently keep him at the sharp end of the grid and help the Scuderia close the gap to the frontrunners.