Why Lewis Hamilton HATES the Simulator

Summary

The video script delves into the use of driving simulators by Formula 1 drivers, contrasting Lewis Hamilton's minimal engagement with the tool against Max Verstappen's extensive use. It explores the benefits of simulators in car development and driver training, while acknowledging the sensory limitations compared to real-world driving. Hamilton's perspective is highlighted, suggesting that while simulators are valuable for car tuning, they might not enhance his actual racing performance due to the lack of physical sensations like G-Force. The script also touches on the potential impact of simulator training on a driver's race strategy and setup preferences.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ Lewis Hamilton admits he barely uses the Mercedes simulator, unlike Max Verstappen who has a simulator in his motorhome and uses it extensively.
• 🌟 Simulators are beneficial for drivers as they help in learning circuits, racing lines, and in car development aligned with the driver's preferences.
• 🔧 Teams rely on simulators for making crucial decisions regarding car development, setup changes, and race strategy.
• 🎮 There are driver-in-the-loop simulators and computer simulations, with the former providing a more realistic driving experience.
• 🤔 Hamilton has reservations about simulators, believing that the differences between sim and real-life driving could affect his actual performance.
• 🎢 Simulators can't fully replicate the sensory inputs and details that a real-world driver experiences, such as G-Force and the feeling of the car's movement in the body.
• 👀 In an interview, Hamilton explained that vision is one of the last sensors used in real driving, but it's the primary one in simulators.
• 🛠️ Hamilton views the simulator more as a car development tool rather than a driver development tool, focusing on ensuring the right tests are conducted for the Mercedes.
• 🏁 Despite his aversion to simulators, Hamilton revisited the Mercedes simulator to help with car development when they realized they didn't have a competitive car.
• 💡 The script suggests that Hamilton's extensive experience in F1 might make simulators less beneficial for improving his driving, as he already knows how to adapt his style and understands the circuits well.
• 🌐 The video also promotes a sponsor, Brilliant, which offers courses to learn about the forces behind motorsport and other STEM fields.

Q & A

Why does Lewis Hamilton avoid using the Mercedes simulator?

Lewis Hamilton believes that the simulator does not accurately replicate the real-world driving experience, particularly the sensory inputs and G-Forces that a driver feels, which are crucial for his performance.

What are the benefits of using a driving simulator according to the script?

A driving simulator can help drivers learn circuits, racing lines, and contribute to car development and setup changes. It also allows teams to make important decisions about car development and race strategy.

How does Max Verstappen utilize the simulator compared to other drivers?

Max Verstappen uses the simulator extensively, preferring to do it himself rather than relying on a test driver. He believes in aligning the car's development with his own driving style and preferences.

What are the differences between driver-in-the-loop simulators and computer simulations?

Driver-in-the-loop simulators involve a driver actively driving, while computer simulations run laps without human input, analyzing data and performance at a rapid pace.

Why might a driver not want to spend time practicing on a simulator even with multiple World titles?

A driver like Hamilton might feel that the simulator does not offer the same sensory experience as real-world driving, and thus, practicing on it might not improve or could even hinder his real-world performance.

What is the main issue Hamilton has with simulators in terms of replicating real-world driving?

Hamilton's main issue is that simulators cannot replicate the G-Forces and the physical sensations that a driver experiences in a real race car, which are essential for his driving performance.

What additional hardware can be used to enhance the realism of a driving simulator?

Additional hardware such as more responsive steering wheels, better pedal feedback, and devices that simulate bumps, curbs, and engine vibrations can enhance the realism of a driving simulator.

How does Hamilton view the role of the simulator in car development?

Hamilton views the simulator more as a car development tool rather than a driver development tool. He believes in working with test drivers to ensure they are working on the right aspects to develop the Mercedes car properly.

What is Hamilton's strategy for conserving energy during a race weekend?

Hamilton focuses on maintaining his energy throughout the race weekend to ensure he is at his best during the actual race. He avoids activities that he feels waste energy, such as extensive simulator use.

Why might a driver choose not to use a simulator despite its potential benefits for car development?

A driver might choose not to use a simulator if they believe it does not accurately reflect the real-world driving experience and could potentially train their brain to react in a way that is not optimal for an F1 car.

How does the script suggest that Hamilton could improve his use of the simulator?

The script suggests that Hamilton could improve his use of the simulator by focusing on car development, ensuring that the test drivers are working on the right aspects to tailor the car to his driving style.

Outlines

00:00

🏎️ Lewis Hamilton's Stance on Simulators

In this paragraph, the script discusses Lewis Hamilton's minimal use of the Mercedes simulator, contrasting it with Max Verstappen's extensive use of his own simulator. It highlights the importance of simulators in car development and driver training, with Verstappen personally taking part in simulator sessions to ensure the car is developed according to his preferences. The paragraph also touches on the limitations of simulators in capturing the full sensory experience of real-world driving, particularly the lack of G-Force and other physical sensations that are crucial for drivers like Hamilton.

05:02

🤔 Hamilton's Simulator Dilemma: Advantage or Disadvantage?

This paragraph delves into Hamilton's perspective on simulators and their impact on his driving performance. It contrasts Hamilton's approach with that of a dedicated sim racer, emphasizing the potential benefits and drawbacks of simulators in terms of car development and driver training. The script mentions Hamilton's brief return to the Mercedes simulator to aid in car development when the team faced challenges. It also explores the idea that Hamilton's extensive experience in F1 might make simulators less beneficial for his personal driving development, suggesting that his focus on conserving energy for race weekends could be a factor in his limited simulator use.

Keywords

💡Simulator

A simulator in the context of the video refers to a device or system that mimics the operation of a vehicle, such as a racing car, to help drivers practice and prepare for real-world scenarios. It is crucial for understanding the video's theme as it discusses the use of simulators by Formula 1 drivers, particularly contrasting Lewis Hamilton's minimal use of the Mercedes simulator with Max Verstappen's extensive use, highlighting the importance of simulators in driver and car development.

💡Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion and a central figure in the video. His approach to using the simulator, or lack thereof, is a key point of discussion. The video explores Hamilton's reservations about simulators and how they differ from real-world driving experiences, which is essential to understanding the debate around the effectiveness of simulators in driver training and performance.

💡Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen is a Formula 1 driver known for his dedication to using the simulator, as mentioned in the script. His preference for personal involvement in simulator sessions over using a test driver reflects his commitment to aligning car development with his driving style. Verstappen's approach serves as a counterpoint to Hamilton's, emphasizing the role of simulators in driver preparation.

💡Car Development

Car development in the video refers to the process of refining and optimizing a racing car's performance based on driver feedback and data collected during testing and races. The script discusses how teams rely on simulators for making important decisions about car setup and strategy, and how drivers like Hamilton view the simulator as more of a car development tool than a personal training device.

💡Driving Style

Driving style is the unique way in which a driver operates a vehicle, which can significantly affect performance. The video emphasizes Verstappen's desire to have a car developed in line with his own preferences, indicating the importance of personal driving style in the effectiveness of a racing car. This concept is central to understanding the individualized approach drivers may take to using simulators.

💡Driver in the Loop

Driver in the Loop (DIL) simulators are those where a human driver actively participates in the simulation, as opposed to computer simulations that run without human input. The video mentions DIL simulators to highlight the interactive aspect of driver training and development, where the driver's inputs and reactions are crucial for both learning and car setup.

💡Setup Changes

Setup changes refer to the adjustments made to a racing car's configuration to optimize its performance for specific tracks or conditions. The script discusses how teams use simulators to test and decide on these changes, which is a key aspect of car development and a reason why drivers might engage with simulators.

💡Race Strategy

Race strategy involves planning a driver's approach to a race, including factors like pit stops, tire management, and overtaking opportunities. The video script mentions that teams use simulators to inform their race strategies, indicating the broader applications of simulators beyond just driver training.

💡G-Force

G-Force is the force experienced by a body due to acceleration, which is a critical sensory input for drivers in real-world racing. The video script contrasts the lack of G-Force sensation in simulators with the importance of this feeling for drivers like Hamilton, emphasizing the limitations of simulators in replicating the full driving experience.

💡Brilliant.org

Brilliant.org is mentioned in the video as a sponsor and a resource for learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The reference to Brilliant.org serves to illustrate the importance of understanding the underlying forces and principles in motorsport, which is relevant to the broader theme of the video about the role of technology in driver training and performance.

💡Energy Conservation

Energy conservation in the context of the video refers to Hamilton's strategy of preserving his physical and mental energy for race weekends. The script suggests that Hamilton may avoid extensive simulator use to focus his energy on actual races, which is a perspective on how drivers might balance training with rest and preparation.

Highlights

Lewis Hamilton admits to rarely using the Mercedes simulator, unlike Max Verstappen who has a simulator in his motorhome.

Simulator use is not just for learning circuits and racing lines but also plays a significant role in car development and setup decisions.

Max Verstappen's dedication to using the simulator reflects his commitment to car development aligned with his driving style.

Driver-in-the-loop simulators are contrasted with computer simulations, with teams relying heavily on simulators for critical decisions.

Lewis Hamilton's reservations about simulators are discussed, highlighting the differences between simulation and real-world driving.

The limitations of driving simulators, particularly the lack of G-Force and other sensory inputs, are explained.

Hamilton's perspective on simulators as a last resort for car development when the real car isn't performing well is mentioned.

The importance of a driver's focus during race weekends and Hamilton's approach to conserving energy is discussed.

Hamilton's extensive experience in F1 and his understanding of car setup and circuits, which may reduce the need for simulator practice.

The potential benefits of simulators for driver development and car setup are weighed against the risks of adapting to a different driving style.

Max Verstappen's status as one of the top three Sim drivers in the world is highlighted.

The video suggests that Hamilton could benefit from more simulator use for car development, despite his reservations.

The transcript discusses the role of test drivers in simulator sessions and the importance of their work in car development.

The differences between the sensory experiences in a real F1 car and a simulator are detailed, emphasizing what simulators cannot replicate.

A call to action for viewers interested in motorsport to understand the forces behind the sport, with a recommendation for a learning resource.

An offer for viewers to get a discount on a premium subscription to a learning platform is presented.

Transcripts

I hardly ever drive the simulator back

in 2021 Lewis Hamilton admitted he

barely uses the Mercedes simulator which

seems bizarre surely a seven times world

champion would be doing anything he

could to find an advantage Max literally

has a Sim in his motorhome and Lewis

isn't touching one and that's a bit

weird right I I have no interest in this

thing so why does Lewis avoid the Sim

and is it hurting his performance let's

get into it so first things first why is

a simulator good for a driver you might

think it's about learning circuits and

racing lines but there's so much more to

it than that the Staffing who uses the

Sim more than any other driver does a

huge amount on the simulator it doesn't

even use a test driver for this

simulator work he says I don't want a

test driver to take over the simulator

sessions like other teams do I want to

do it myself because everyone has their

own driving style and that seems fair

enough I think that speaks highly of

verstappen's dedication and the fact

that he knows it's important to have a

car developed in line with his own

preferences he's definitely willing to

put in the grind and if there's

performance to be gained he'll put the

hours in we know there are driver in the

loop simulators where there's a driver

well driving and also computer

simulations where the computer just runs

lap after lap really fast what's

interesting to me here is that the teams

really rely heavily on the Sims to make

important decisions about developing the

car and also setting it up so if the

teams are using the Sims to make big

decisions about their car development

setup changes and race strategy surely

there's a benefit to the drivers using

them as a driver why wouldn't you want

to spend time practicing even if you

have seven World titles well Hamilton

has his reservations about using the Sim

and to be fair he's kind of right by the

way if you haven't yet entered our

competition to drive Kim's F1 car at

Paul Ricard we only have a few tickets

left you can enter by using the link

below so there is a difference between

the Sim and real life we have a great

driving simulator here at driver 61 HQ

definitely not Mercedes F1 spec but

decent nonetheless so how does a good

sin actually feel compared to real world

driving well the steering wheel feel is

actually very realistic wheel loads up

as it would do in real life and you can

feel understeer and oversteer really

well too the throttle pedal and the way

it responds mostly feels the same as a

proper car as well however the brake

field typically isn't great it's often

difficult to know when you're about to

lock up you can also feel bumps curbs

and engine vibrations with some extra

Hardware as well but it is hard to get a

feel for roll dive Squat and importantly

G-Force and these are all the things

real world drivers absolutely love and

need to feel to perform at their best

and that is Hamilton's problem now I

know you may have seen the videos of

motion Sims The Sims that are set up on

loads of hydraulic Rams the driver being

thrown around the inside of a warehouse

but there's no way you're realistically

simulating the feeling of turning into

cops at 190 miles an hour so imagine

you're sat in a Sim you turn into a

corner but you're going a little bit too

quickly and you start to lose is the

rear what sensors are you using to

detect this in the Sim the first thing

that you use is Vision you see the

Horizon move slightly faster than it

should then you might feel it in the

steering wheel or hear the tire audio

but here's the issue in an interview

Hamilton explained his problem with the

SIM basically Lewis said that in the

real world one of the last sensors you

use to react to what the car is actually

doing is your vision and that's compared

to it being the first thing in the Sim

and he's absolutely right in race car

you have so many sensory inputs and

details that you don't have in the Sim

with the main one being the little

gyroscope in your backside you feel the

car beginning to slide in your stomach

you can feel the yaw in every detail of

course you also feel this through the

steering wheel you hear it through the

changing engine tone and you see the

direction change ever so slightly all of

which can be reproduced extremely well

in the Sim the most important one at

least to a real world driver is that

feeling in your body and it's simply not

there if you're looking to work informal

on Motorsport in the future you will

need to understand the forces behind the

sport and this is where today's sponsor

brilliant can really help their website

and app is the best place to learn about

science technology engineering and maths

with thousands of lessons among over 70

courses that enable you to learn by

doing with new content added monthly I

would recommend scientific thinking as a

great base for your learning the course

gets you to solve puzzles using

scientific methods and ground them in

real world scenarios I particularly

enjoy the section on Gears well for

obvious reasons the layout of the course

makes it really easy for you to absorb

the information one step at a time and

they always explain how they get to any

specific answer so you aren't Left

Behind to get started for free visit

brilliant.org forward slash Drive 61 or

click on the link in the description and

the first 200 of you will get 20 off

brilliant's annual premium subscription

so Hamilton chooses not to use a SIM all

that much and I get that the Sim is

driving but it's driving in a slightly

different way and Hamilton's argument is

that if it is different it's not

improving his real world driving in fact

if he's having to adapt to the Sim even

a little bit it could even damage his

driving now I have an admission to make

when I first started in the Sim I wasn't

all that good I can jump into most race

cars and figure it out pretty quickly

give me 5 or 10 laps and I'll be on the

pace and it wasn't because I knew I

could just hit the reset button it was

because I was missing the most important

information my mind and body needed to

allow me to drive quickly all of that

feeling but with time and approaching it

like I would any Motorsport I learned to

be quick and Driver 6-1 now actually

works with some of the world's best Sim

racing coaches and we have of course

helping Sim drivers so if you do want to

get faster in the Sim check out and

masterclass course which I'll link below

anyway of course Hamilton could be

incredibly fast in the Sim but really

what's the benefit for him using the Sim

is a choice for a driver and there are

positives and negatives of course it

will help develop lip of the car it will

help the driver's Focus but it could

train your brain to react in a way that

isn't best for an F1 car so is not using

the Sim affecting Hamilton's performance

well Hamilton actually Revisited the

Mercedes simulator last year once he

realized they didn't have a great car

underneath them he said I just went in

to try and see if there's any way I

could try and help the team just be

better prepared there's been a couple of

good things from it but nothing

life-changing I'll continue to work with

them we've got drivers there that do a

lot of work I think just working on the

processes of how we communicate with

them on their program so we're getting

the right things tested so that sounds

like Hamilton is viewing this thing more

as a car development tool rather than a

driver development tool he wants to make

sure the test drivers are working on the

right things to develop the Mercedes

properly You could argue that if he was

that concerned about developing the car

in the right way he'd just do it himself

like the Stefan or you could argue that

he's better off saving all of his energy

and focus for race weekend ends

something that he speaks a lot about but

I found that was just wasting energy

yeah so my weekend's all about keeping

energy and and maintain it so I can do

the job I'd say that Hamilton's done so

much driving through so many different

areas of F1 that this Sim isn't really

going to improve his driving he knows

how to adapt his driving style he

understands setup incredibly well and he

knows all of the circuits like the back

of his hand however I can't really see

why he wouldn't do more car development

in the Sim if he wants the car to work

for him for his driving style then

surely he should be doing the lapse to

get it exactly how he wants Max

verstappen is one of the top three Sim

drivers in the world if you want to see

why check out this video just here

thanks for watching and I'll see you

next time