Leclerc defends Ferrari simulator use amid Hamilton's criticism
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 6, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jun 6, 2026
Lewis Hamilton has publicly criticized Ferrari's simulator, stating that it does not accurately reflect the car's on-track performance. He has chosen to stop using it, correlating his best finishes with this decision. In contrast, teammate Charles Leclerc expressed confidence in the simulator, emphasizing its effectiveness in his preparation. The differing opinions highlight the psychological aspects of driver performance in Formula 1.
- •Hamilton feels Ferrari's simulator does not help his on-track results.
- •Leclerc believes the simulator aids his performance preparations.
- •Simulators have become essential as track testing opportunities decline.
- •Hamilton achieved his best finishes this season without simulator use.
- •Leclerc plans to continue using the simulator for development.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — "It works for me" – why Charles Leclerc isn't buying Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari simulator claims
- 1:00 PMMotorsport.com — "It works for me" – why Charles Leclerc isn't buying Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari simulator claims
"Simulators have grown in importance as opportunities to test current Formula 1 cars on track have declined. For all teams now, the simulator is not only an essential preparatory tool for arriving at each track with a reasonable setup, it also helps to evaluate the performance of new parts before they are added to the car. Unless, that is, you're Lewis Hamilton, who has become increasingly vocal ...Keep reading
"Hamilton has abandoned Ferrari's simulator, feeling its results don't translate into on-track performance, but his team-mate doesn't agree
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 6, 2026, 1:00 PM"It works for me" – why Charles Leclerc isn't buying Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari simulator claims
Hamilton has abandoned Ferrari's simulator, feeling its results don't translate into on-track performance, but his team-mate doesn't agree
- Motorsport.comJun 6, 2026, 1:00 PM"It works for me" – why Charles Leclerc isn't buying Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari simulator claims
Simulators have grown in importance as opportunities to test current Formula 1 cars on track have declined. For all teams now, the simulator is not only an essential preparatory tool for arriving at each track with a reasonable setup, it also helps to evaluate the performance of new parts before they are added to the car. Unless, that is, you're Lewis Hamilton, who has become increasingly vocal ...Keep reading
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