The seven-time world champion notably explained that the single-seater behaves very differently on track compared to the sensations felt on the Maranello simulator.
Read more Audi faces reliability issues in its challenging Formula 1 debut
A divergence that would have pushed Ferrari and Hamilton to consider a different approach for the next meeting in Canada.
The Briton, already not very enthusiastic about spending long hours on the simulator, traditionally prefers direct work with his engineers and adjustments made on the track.
James Hinchcliffe defends the Briton
The Ferrari driver’s statements quickly reignited the debate about the reliability of modern simulators in Formula 1. And for James Hinchcliffe, Hamilton is far from exaggerating.
The former IndyCar driver believes on the contrary that this type of problem is common in motorsport, even with the most advanced technologies.
“It’s totally plausible. I’ve already experienced this kind of situation” explained Hinchcliffe on the F1 Nation podcast.
According to him, despite the huge progress made in recent years, a simulator remains above all a virtual reproduction that cannot perfectly imitate the behavior of a real single-seater.
An element impossible to reproduce
Hinchcliffe acknowledges that teams now manage to simulate with great precision several essential parameters: aerodynamics, engine, tires, and circuit characteristics.
But he insists on a fundamental point which, according to him, still escapes current technologies: the physical sensations felt by the driver in the cockpit.
“The only element we cannot reproduce is the real feeling of a racing car” emphasizes the former Canadian driver.
Even if some simulators move and partially recreate the forces experienced by drivers, it remains very far from the extreme sensations experienced on track.
A difficulty well known to drivers
James Hinchcliffe explains that he himself has already encountered this type of situation during his career. According to him, a car can seem perfectly balanced in the simulator, then offer totally different sensations once on the real circuit.
“I’ve had setups that seemed excellent in the simulator but gave a completely different car on the track” he explains.
This difference in perception can then disrupt the drivers’ work and considerably complicate the setups during a Grand Prix weekend.
Ferrari under pressure before Montreal
Hamilton’s remarks come in an already delicate context for Ferrari. Despite several upgrades recently introduced, the SF-26 still struggles to regularly compete with Mercedes and McLaren. In Miami, the Briton experienced his most difficult weekend of the season, far from the pace of the leaders.
The Canadian Grand Prix will therefore represent an important test for Ferrari, but also for the correlation between its simulation tools and the reality of the track.
Because if Hamilton continues to lack confidence in the simulator, it could quickly become a much deeper problem for the Italian team in the development of its single-seater.
Read more Carlos Sainz targets Alpine after the late arrival of upgrades at Williams