Hamilton Heads Canadian GP Press Conference After Skipping Simulator Work Over Break
Lewis Hamilton will face questions in Montreal after revealing he skipped simulator training during the break, citing his best Ferrari result at China came without it. The Canadian GP press conference schedule is set.
Lewis Hamilton headlines the Thursday press conference for the Canadian Grand Prix, where he is expected to defend his decision to skip simulator work during the three-week break. The seven-time champion opted out of sim training, explaining that his strongest result with Ferrari—a podium at the Chinese GP—came without any simulator preparation prior to that race.
Why it matters:
Hamilton’s unusual approach highlights his reliance on real-world feel over simulation, a choice that could influence how teams evaluate simulator use. It also sets the stage for a crucial weekend: Mercedes has won all four races so far, with Kimi Antonelli leading the championship, while Hamilton’s Ferrari sits second in the constructors’ standings.
The details:
- Press conference lineup: Thursday sees Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) join Hamilton in the first session; George Russell (Mercedes) shares the second with Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls).
- Hamilton’s reasoning: His best 2026 result came at Shanghai without sim work, so he opted to rest and reset instead of training during the gap between Miami and Montreal.
- Russell’s challenge: The Mercedes driver won the 2025 Canadian GP but hasn’t stood on the podium in the last two races. He trails Antonelli by a growing margin and needs a strong weekend to close the gap.
- Upgrades incoming: McLaren and Red Bull are confirmed to bring updates to Montreal, while Mercedes is rumored to have a major package ready.
- Friday team principals: Andrea Stella (McLaren), Laurent Mekies (Red Bull), and Alan Permane (Racing Bulls) will speak in the second press day.
What's next:
The Canadian GP weekend kicks off with the press conferences Thursday, followed by practice and the sprint on Friday. With tight championship battles across the grid, Montreal could reshuffle the order—especially if Hamilton’s no-sim gamble pays off or Mercedes’ upgrades extend their winning streak.
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