Lewis Hamilton believes that abandoning the Ferrari simulator played a role in his best result with the Scuderia in Canada.
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Lewis Hamilton continues to follow a very particular approach since his arrival at Ferrari. After achieving his best result with the Italian team in Montreal, the Briton confirmed that he no longer intends to use the Maranello simulator to prepare for Grand Prix races, preferring a method he considers more “old school.”
The seven-time world champion had already surprised after the Miami Grand Prix by announcing that he wanted to set aside the Ferrari simulator. According to him, this tool had led him in a wrong direction with the setup, greatly complicating his weekend.
Before the Canadian event, Hamilton had therefore decided to prepare for the race without using the simulator, a method he had already applied earlier in the season in China, where he had secured a podium.
The result obtained in Montreal seems to have strengthened his conviction. Having achieved a solid second place, the Ferrari driver now believes that this approach suits him better.
Now limited use
However, Hamilton does not completely close the door on the simulator. The Briton still considers this tool useful for analyzing certain data and helping Ferrari in its technical development.
He explains in particular that a correlation work between the on-track sensations and the virtual data can allow the team to improve its simulation model. According to him, only the main drivers can truly convey the exact sensations of the car.
“The simulator can be useful to compare certain things with reality and help the team progress” explained Hamilton.
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An “old school” approach
On the other hand, Hamilton no longer wishes to use the simulator as the main preparation tool before race weekends. The British driver believes there are too many risks of losing the right feel with this method.
“If I look at my two best races this season, I did not use the simulator” he recalled.
Hamilton also pointed out that during a large part of his career and world titles, he prepared his races without this modern tool, except for some exceptions.
“I am probably better without it. I am a bit old school on this point” added the Ferrari driver.
A strong signal sent to Ferrari
This decision also illustrates Lewis Hamilton’s growing confidence in his own feel behind the wheel. After several difficult months of adaptation at Ferrari, the Briton now seems to want to take more control over his way of working.
His podium in Canada could moreover strengthen this philosophy within his technical entourage, while Ferrari is still looking for the best way to fully exploit his experience and driving style.