Oscar Piastri defended the use of simulators in Formula 1 and explained why his view on the tool is different from Lewis Hamilton’s. For the Australian, the technology is useful in preparing for race weekends, although it cannot fully replicate the experience of driving a real car.
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The statement came after Hamilton said earlier this year that he did not intend to use the simulator after considering that the tool had given him incorrect information. Piastri acknowledged the difference in perspective between the two drivers and related it to the generations in which each grew up.
“I find it useful. I also grew up in a different generation than Lewis did,” Piastri said in an interview with the press. The Australian driver added that simulators have been present in Formula 1 for quite some time but emphasized that he understands why some drivers prefer not to use them.
According to Piastri, the complexity of current cars makes the resource relevant for both drivers and teams: “With the current cars, they are very complicated, and I find it quite useful to have some work on the simulator, both for me and for the team,” he said.
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Despite defending the tool, Piastri made it clear that the data obtained virtually has limitations: “They will never be perfect. They will never be a foolproof tool and will never be as good as driving the real car,” he added.
The McLaren driver also highlighted that the decision depends on each professional and how they prefer to prepare: “You work with the tools you have, or not, if you think that is better for you,” Piastri concluded.
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