Lewis Hamilton has ceased using Ferrari’s Formula 1 simulator for race preparation since the Canadian Grand Prix earlier this season. The seven-time world champion stated the simulator was actively misleading him, impacting his performance. This decision has reportedly led to a significant upturn in his on-track results.
Hamilton indicated that the virtual setups generated by the simulator bore little resemblance to the actual behaviour of the SF-25 car on track. This lack of correlation between the virtual and real car frustrated his initial period with Ferrari, echoing similar issues he encountered during his final years at Mercedes.
The British driver has been involved with simulators since 1997, acknowledging their potential as powerful and useful tools. However, he also stressed their capacity to mislead when correlation is inaccurate. He attempted to make the Ferrari simulator work throughout last year and into this season.
Since discontinuing simulator use, Hamilton’s performance has improved notably. He has secured one race victory and two additional podium finishes. He currently trails Andrea Kimi Antonelli by 32 points in the drivers’ championship standings.
Ferrari has invested significantly in advanced simulator technology, including the Dynisma DMG-1. This system, engineered by UK-based Dynisma, is designed for ultra-low latency, operating with response times of less than 3 to 5 milliseconds. This aims to provide highly accurate motion feedback to drivers.
Despite such technological advancements, correlation problems can persist. Issues often arise when tyre, aerodynamic, and suspension models within the simulator software do not accurately reflect real-world conditions. This can lead engineers and drivers towards setups that degrade actual car balance and tyre management.
Hamilton’s current approach prioritises dependable feedback loops. He has opted to trade simulator laps for real-world correlation runs, ride-height mapping, and methodical setup iteration during Grand Prix weekends. This strategy reflects a seasoned driver’s focus on reliable data.
