“I think there’s only ever been really one time through all the years that I’ve used the sim in these 20 years that the set-up that I had on the sim was the exact set-up I used in qualifying and qualified pole, and that was Singapore 2012, maybe, I think, something like that.
So, then all the other times it’s not quite perfect. But as I said, it is a powerful tool,” said Hamilton.
The driver stated that virtual models often required immediate adjustments upon arriving at physical venues.
“Since last year I used it every week, and more often than not I felt you do all the work on the sim, you find a set-up that you’re comfortable with, you get to the track and everything is opposite.
So then you’re undoing the things you’ve learned,” said Hamilton.
This discrepancy required drivers to frequently alter their corner approaches and braking profiles on short notice.
“Some of the ways you’ve approached the corners you have to shift and adjust.
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A set-up that you felt was good on the simulator is not the same at the track.
Sometimes it is, and so it’s kind of hit and miss,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton explained that he reallocated his simulator time toward analyzing internal mechanical hardware problems.
“So I just decided for this one, I’m just going to sit it out and focus more on the data.
